Figure 1

Production of high quality electrodeposited metals requires proper control of plating solutions. Hull Cell
plating tests provide a practical method of maintaining the solutions and exercising preventive
maintenance. Types of Hull Cells and methods of conducting the plating tests will be described in this
lecture. Illustrations include actual Hull Cell panels that show applications in zinc, cadmium, cyanide
copper, and other plating solutions. Also included are photographs that show effects of typical impurities
in these solutions. Because of its numerous applications, the Hull Cell, developed by the late R. O. Hull in
1939, has probably contributed more to the advancement of electroplating than any other tool.

The author wishes to thank F. Altmayer, MSF, A. Parker, CEF, and J. B. Winters, McGean-Rhoco, Inc.
For their reviews and helpful suggestions in preparing this lecture, and also acknowledges the late Dr. D.
A. Swalheim, CEF (the original Author).

AESF wishes to thank numerous individuals, who helped review this lecture for content and errata during
the conversion to PowerPoint format: Mr. Mike McChesney, CEF-SE, Mr. Fred Clay, CEF-SE, Mr.
Richard Haynes, Mr. H. J. Litsch, MSF, AESF Fellow, Mr. Richard G. Baker, MSF, AESF Fellow.

Figure 2

The Hull Cell is a miniature plating test unit that produces a deposit at all current densities within the
range covered in production plating. The time required normally varies from 2 to 10 minutes. Shown in the
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 1
slide is a 267 mL capacity cell constructed of porcelain. This particular cell is commonly used for testing
plating baths operated at room temperature, but the porcelain also allows heating over a hot plate (a
magnetic stirring hot plate can be used to provide heat and mechanical agitation). The porcelain is highly
resistant to chemical attack, which makes it much more versatile than a plastic cell.

A top view showing the arrangement of the anode and cathode is shown in the photo on the right. Note
that the anode shown in the cell is corrugated in shape. This provides increased surface area, thus
lowering the anode current density and minimizing excessive anode polarization.

The cathode or panel to be plated is positioned at an angle with respect to the anode. The panel is 4
inches long X 2 ¾ inches in depth or width. The current density is relatively low at the end of the panel at
the right side of the cell. The current density increases as the distance from the anode decreases.

Figure 3

The current distribution or plating range on the panel is shown here. The current density is shown in both
amperes per square foot and amperes per square decimeter. Curves are given for 1, 2 and 3 amperes of
applied current. Examining the 3 ampere current distribution curve, the current density on the panel varies
from less than 10 amperes per ft2 to current densities of over 100 amperes per ft2. This permits one to
examine the plating or deposit characteristics over a wide range by plating a single panel.

Figure 4

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 2

Hull Cell “rulers” are available which indicate current densities across the width of the panel. On one side
of the scale are current densities for 1, 2, 3 and 5 amperes applied to the hull cell on a 4 inch panel (267
ml cell). The hull cell panel is lined up with the left panel edge against the “panel edge” line on the ruler.
The current density along the length of the panel can then be directly read off of the scale. The reverse
side of the ruler has scales for a 5 inch panel (1,000 mL cell).

The primary current distribution on the cathode follows a logarithmic curve and can be represented as:

C.D. at any point = I(C1-C2 log L) where L = distance from cathode, I = total current and C1 and C2
represent constants. Hull determined these constants and established a general purpose formula for a
267 mL cell applicable to most electrolytes.

C.D. at any point = I (27.7-48.7 log L). This applies between limits L = 0.25 and 3.25 inches where
current density is in amperes per sq. ft., I is in amperes and L is in inches.

Figure 5

The four major uses or values of Hull Cell tests are shown in this slide. In trouble shooting, the aim is to
discover what is the cause of poor deposits from a plating tank and to find the best method of correcting
the problem. In view of the very wide range of current densities that exist on a Hull Cell panel, many
problems can be spotted before they appear on the work, and the proper preventive maintenance
operations performed before rejects appear.

The Hull Cell is widely used in research to develop new plating processes. It can also be used in many
plating plants to modify a process in order to meet the requirements of a particular operation.

The Hull Cell can be used to evaluate properties shown in the slide as a function of current density. The
effect of both the operating conditions (temperature, agitation) and chemical composition (key ingredients,
impurities, additive concentrations, organic contamination) can be evaluated using this test cell. Many of
these applications will be discussed.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 3

Figure 6

One cell should be used exclusively for each type of bath to avoid contamination of one solution by the
other. The types of panels used, should closely match the substrate, or at minimum should not produce
immersion deposits.

The choice of panel type to use is dictated by the plating solution to be evaluated:
Steel panels are normally used for testing zinc, cadmium and nickel plating solutions. Zinc plated panels
are inexpensive and convenient to use. The zinc is stripped by immersing the panel in an acid solution
and the remaining smut on the panel can be removed by wiping the panel with a wet clean cloth or paper
towel. An alternate method is to clean the panel anodically in an alkaline cleaner followed by a water
rinse, a dip in an acid solution with a final rinse in water.

Brass panels are usually used for testing acid copper plating solutions as steel panels yield immersion
deposits.

Nickel plated panels are recommended for chromium because decorative chromium plate is usually
applied over nickel. The characteristics of chromium deposits are influenced by the basis metal.
Chromium should not be plated directly over a steel panel because the deposit will be dull gray and the
result is unrelated to the results obtained over nickel.

The panel must be cleaned (brass and nickel plated steel) or stripped of any protective coatings (steel),
and thoroughly rinsed prior to testing.

In testing an operating solution, a representative sample must be obtained. The production conditions,
including current, plating time, and use of agitation, must be duplicated in the Hull Cell.

Normally, an “as is” panel is plated first. The solution should be analyzed for the major constituents. If the
solution has to be adjusted, another panel is plated. Depending on the results, additional panels are
plated.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 4

Figure 7

Shown is the sequence used to prepare a brass or nickel plated panel for a Hull Cell evaluation. The
brass panel is coated with a thin film of plastic, similar to food wrap. This plastic film is peeled off the
brass. The panel must then be electrocleaned (cathodically). A typical alkaline electrocleaner, operated at
6-9 volts (which delivers about 3 amps to the panel) for about 30 seconds is sufficient to clean the brass.
The panel is then well rinsed, dipped in dilute sulfuric acid (2% volume), rinsed again, and is then ready
for plating in the Hull Cell.

Brass panels are used in solutions that can produce immersion deposits on steel or nickel plated steel
panels. They are very expensive ($0.50 each or more) and should be used only when necessary!

Nickel plated panels can be prepared by plating steel Hull Cell panels in a bright nickel plating solution,
using a beaker, magnetic stirrer-hot plate. When evaluating a hexavalent chromium plating solution, the
Hull Cell is most informative, if the decorative chromium is plated over a Hull Cell panel that has a nickel
plate derived from the same solution used in the shop.

Figure 8

Shown is the processing sequence for preparing a zinc coated steel Hull Cell panel for test.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 5

The zinc coating is stripped off using dilute 10% sulfuric or hydrochloric acid. The steel surface should
then be very bright and free of smut. If smut is present, replace the acid. The smut can be wiped off using
a wet cotton swab, and the panel can still be used.

After acid stripping, the steel panel is rinsed in lots of water and then is immediately used. Do not strip,
rinse and set any panels aside for later use, as they will quickly rust.

Figure 9

The type and level of agitation used in the plating tank must be duplicated as closely as possible, if the
Hull Cell is to provide an accurate depiction of a problem with the plating solution. Plating solutions that
are mechanically agitated can be manually stirred during the test with a glass stirring rod or plastic
paddle. An alternative is to purchase and use a mechanical agitator designed for Hull Cells.

Air agitated plating solutions are best tested in a Hull Cell equipped with an air sparger along the wall of
the cathode. Air is typically provided using an aquarium pump, which does not contaminate the air with oil
(do not use a compressed air line!).

Solutions used in plating tanks equipped with an eductor system should be vigorously agitated with a
paddle, when tested with the Hull Cell, or the Hull Cell should be equipped with a small recirculating pump
and sparger system. The cathode or panel to be plated is positioned at an angle with respect to the
anode. The panel is 4 inches long X 2 ¾ inches in depth or width. The current density is relatively low at
the end of the panel at the right side of the cell. The current density increases as the distance from the
anode decreases.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 6

Figure 10

The photo on the left shows a rectangular 1000-mL Hull Cell equipped with connections for air agitation
and heat, if necessary. A low-volume air supply, such as an aquarium pump, can be used to produce an
even air bubble pattern across the face of the Hull Cell panel being plated. This type of cell can also be
used for solutions that are usually operated at room temperatures (such as acid copper).

Bright acid copper deposits are used for functional, as well as decorative purposes. The role of copper in
the printed circuit industry is widely known. Using a 1000-mL volume cell with a 5 x 3.25 in. panel allows
more deposit area to be evaluated. Also, there is less chemical depletion of the solution.

This photo on the right depicts the Gornall Cell, a modified Hull Cell designed specifically for testing acid
copper solutions used for printed circuits. The Cell holds 1.5 liters of solution and utilizes two
phosphorized copper anodes, one at each end and connected by a jumper. An actual printed circuit
section is used as the cathode panel. Holes can be drilled through the section in different sizes so that,
after plating and cross-sectioning, the aspect ratio (hole diameter to panel thickness) can be measured.
The Gornall Cell is a good example of a Hull Cell modified for a specific application.

Figure 11

Shown on the left is a 267mL Hull Cell with a quartz immersion heater, built-in thermostatic control, and
connections for air agitation. It provides a simple and accurate method for Hull Cell control of plating
solutions operated at elevated temperatures.
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 7
Note: Cases of fires have been reported, caused by Hull Cells heated with quartz immersion heaters, that
were left “on” after testing was completed. It is highly recommended that a timer be installed to shut off
the power after a reasonable amount of time (one hour is suggested).

Shown on the right is a 534-mL Hull Cell. Although the 267-mL Cell can be used for testing nickel plating
solutions, the 534-mL Hull Cell is especially useful when it is desirable to make a number of tests using
one sample, because concentrations of the solution constituents will vary only slightly, even after
extensive testing. In addition, the cell has increased surface area available for the dissipation of heat
when working with those solutions that heat up from electrolysis. An additional anode may be inserted in
this cell to reduce anode polarization. The 534-mL Hull Cell is also equipped with a quartz heater and
replaceable thermostat for testing solutions at temperatures up to 180°F. The addition of 4g of chemical
to a 534-mL Hull Cell is equivalent to a concentration increase of 1 oz/gal.

Figure 12

The modified Hull Cell shown here was developed for testing high-current-density solutions, such as
chromium. It consists of a standard 267-mL cell in which 0.5 in. diameter holes have been introduced into
the two parallel sides. The exact spacing and size of the holes are not critical.

The modified cell is used inside another vessel, such as a 7-in. diameter crystallizing dish filled with
solution to the operating level of the cell. Operation of the cell at currents as high as 10 or 15 amp and at
a temperature of 115°F is possible with very little fluctuation in temperature. The movement of solution by
convection currents produces a constant interchange of solution through the holes.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 8

Figure 13

In photographing Hull Cell panels shown in subsequent slides, a specific procedure was followed (shown
at left). When flat panels plated with a bright deposit are photographed in the normal manner, the
deposits will appear dark or almost black in the photograph. Experience has shown that photographing a
suitable reflected image in the panel, such as a screen, gives a more realistic picture of the panels.

Illustrations of Hull Cell Panels in Troubleshooting:

The test panels on the right were plated for 5 minutes at 2 amperes and illustrate the pronounced
brightening effect of a proprietary additive in cyanide zinc plating baths. Brass panels were used instead
of steel to show appearance of the deposit. The deposit made without adding a brightener shows poor
reflectivity whereas the image of the screen in the panel on the right is bright and sharp. Major
improvements in performance of most plating baths during the past 30-40 years has been achieved by
adding small amounts of additives to the plating baths.

Figure 14

Lead has a profound effect on the appearance of the zinc deposits when present in low concentrations.
Its dulling effect can be detected at concentrations as low as 5 ppm. However, lead is readily precipitated
as the insoluble lead sulfide by taking preventive precautions to maintain a small excess of sodium
polysulfide in the bath. Presence of polysulfide in the bath is readily detected by lead acetate test papers.
Excess sulfide in most cyanide zinc baths has no adverse effect on brightness and they should be
maintained with excess sulfide. The effectiveness of polysulfide in protecting against heavy metal
contamination depends on the moderate solubility of zinc sulfide. Because zinc sulfide is appreciably less

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 9

soluble in dilute baths, only small additions of polysulfide are made, and great care must be exercised to
avoid precipitating zinc sulfide.

Figure 15

The panel on the left was plated from a cyanide zinc bath having a sodium cyanide to zinc ratio of 2.75 to
1. Note that the deposit at the right edge plated at low current densities is bright. The panel on the right
was plated from a similar solution with one-half the concentration of sodium cyanide. The low current
density end is very dull. An experienced zinc plater would recognize that the bath was probably deficient
in cyanide as judged by the appearance of the panel.

Figure 16

The additives used for cadmium are different than those used for zinc. The appearance of bright cadmium
is very similar to that of bright silver. The bright range is a function of the brightener concentration.
However, too much brightener can result in the opposite of the desired effect, as shown in the slide.
Frequently, operators will add excessive brightener when, in reality, contamination and other factors are
responsible for dull deposits. There are no convenient tests to determine concentrations of most
brighteners. The Hull Cell provides a practical method for determining if the baths contain excess
brightener. A sample of the bath is merely diluted with a sample containing no additive. If the plated
panel is bright, this provides a good indication that the solution contained excess brightener. This
assumes that the brightness is not improved merely by dilution of contamination in the solution.
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 10
Figure 17

Since one plated Hull Cell panel can show the appearance of the deposit over a broad range of current
density, problems such as that shown here can readily be investigated. The steel spring was plated in a
new potassium chloride zinc plating solution installed in a new steel tank equipped with a hard rubber
liner. Note the dull appearance in the low current density area between the windings of the spring. The
Hull Cell panel plated by the investigator also indicated a dull deposit in the low current density area of
the panel. Further investigation revealed that the dull appearance was due to the presence of free sulfur
leaching from the hard rubber liner installed in the plating tank. The supplier of the plating solution
specifically indicated that hard rubber was not an approved material for their chemistry. Rather than
purchase a new liner or tank, this plater decided to keep the liner until all the free sulfur leached out,
compensating by using an excess of brightener. The problem was resolved in four weeks.

Figure 18

Shown is the effect of operating temperature upon the bright range of a high speed cyanide copper
plating solution. Note that at the higher temperature, the bright range extends to 80 A/ft2, while at the
lower temperature, dull deposits/burning begin at 55 A/ft2.

The higher operating temperature also results in increased brightener consumption, and increased rate of
carbonate build-up due to thermal decomposition of the cyanide into carbonates. Therefore, a trade-off
between the improved bright range and the increased cost of operation must be evaluated for each
application of this process.
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 11
Figure 19

As an impurity in cyanide copper plating solutions, hexavalent chromium produces dull, blotchy, non-
adherent deposits, even when present in very low concentrations. Because chromium is not detrimental
when present in the lower trivalent (+3) state, reducing and chelating agents are used to reduce
hexavalent chromium to the innocuous trivalent state. A variety of effective proprietary additives are
available for this purpose. From a practical standpoint, stringent precautions should be taken to minimize
drag-in of chromic acid.

Figure 20

The effect of zinc impurities in a bright nickel plating solution is shown here. The deposit on the right is
dark in the low-current-density area on the right side of the panel. Precautions must be taken to avoid
introduction of zinc when plating zinc die castings. Copper contamination shows similar dark deposits,
also in the low-current-density areas. There may be circumstances where neither the copper nor zinc
contamination by itself would be high enough to cause dark deposits, but, when combined, the two cause
problems. There are commercially available products that will temporarily nullify the effect of metallic
contamination, but they should only be used until permanent removal can be performed. To remove zinc
and copper, the nickel solution is electrolyzed at low current densities using "dummy" cathodes.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 12

Figure 21

Buffing compounds can have a dramatic dulling effect on bright cyanide copper deposits, as shown by the
appearance of the panel on the left. Adequate cleaning to remove the buffing compounds and
maintenance of plating racks assist in reducing contamination. In some cases, however, it is almost
impossible to remove all of the buffing compounds, particularly if the compounds are embedded in
recesses. In this case, removal of the contaminants from the plating solution by use of activated carbon
represents the only practical solution to the problem.

Figure 22

The steel panel in the upper-left was pre-plated with bright nickel and then plated in a chromic acid
solution containing the normal amount of catalyst. The panel was plated at 5 amp for a period of 4
minutes. Unlike most other plating solutions, chromium does not plate in the low current density range
because of its poor solution efficiency. The panel on the bottom-left (with rainbow bands) was plated from
a chromic acid solution containing no catalyst. Needless to say, this solution would be completely
unsatisfactory for decorative chromium plating.

Chromium plating with excessive catalyst also yields a poor deposit. The chromium deposit does not
extend as far to the right on the panel plated from a solution containing excess catalyst; also, the rainbow
bands are missing. From the appearance of these panels, it is readily apparent that the concentration of
catalyst must be carefully controlled in production.
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 13
Figure 23

The leveling characteristic of nickel plating solutions has great commercial significance. Shown on the left
is a steel Hull Cell panel with a burnished area across the face of the panel. It should be noted that a
clear image of the screen cannot be seen in this area. The panel on the right was also burnished in a
similar manner before plating. It was then plated at 3 amp for 15 minutes. The burnish marks have
disappeared, except at the extreme right where the deposit is very thin. Leveling is achieved by addition
agents that change the plating characteristics of the solution. The nickel plates faster in the valleys of the
scratches. Consequently, the surface of the deposit becomes smoother than the basis metal. The Hull
Cell is also useful for testing ductility of the deposits. To evaluate ductility, the panel is bent along the
lengthwise dimension and folded in half to form a small radius. A ductile deposit will show no cracks.
Extremely brittle deposits will crack and may actually separate from the basis metal.

Figure 24

Tests can be run to evaluate particle roughness on deposits. The center of the panel is bent to form a V-
shape, with the shelf area at 45° from the vertical. The panel on the left was plated from a solution
producing smooth deposits. No particles were observed on the shelf area; the image of the reflected
screen on the shelf area can be readily seen. The panel on the right was plated from the same solution,
to which was added a few milligrams of activated carbon.

During plating, the carbon settles on the shelf areas and causes rough deposits to be produced. The shelf
area resembles sandpaper in appearance, and the image of the reflected screen is not clear or distinct. In
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 14
production, precautions must be taken to insure that activated carbon does not pass through the filter
during continuous carbon treatment of nickel or other plating solutions.

Figure 25

It is frequently necessary to electrolyze plating solutions to remove metallic impurities. The manner in
which this is accomplished in the Hull Cell is to electrolyze the solution sample at low current density with
the anode and cathode parallel, (i.e., the cathode plate adjacent to the longest side of the Hull Cell, with
the anode opposite). Agitation may be used, if desired. The amount of electrolysis required to give a good
deposit in the regular manner can then be translated to the plating tank.

As an example, 5 A/ft2 in the tank is equivalent to 0.27 amp on the Hull Cell panel. If 20 minutes is
required to remove the impurity, the total electrolysis is 20 x 0.27 or 5.4 amp-min. Therefore, since 3785
mL = one gallon, 5.4 amp-min for 267-mL is equivalent to 1.27 amp-hr/ gal of plating solution.

3785 x 5.4 = 1.27 amp-hr/gal

267 60

Figure 26

Having discussed solution control, other applications will now be examined. In addition to solution control,
the Hull Cell may be used to determine "covering power," or the lowest current density at which a deposit
is produced. The Hull Cell offers the advantages of simplicity and numerical measurement of covering
power. For this purpose, it is usually convenient to plate for a given length of time (e.g., one minute), with
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 15
a total current on the cathode of only 0.2 amp. This gives a current density range, from about 0.4 to 12
A/ft2, which visibly conveys an accurate indication of the minimum covering current density. The effect of
certain addition agents in either improving or decreasing covering power can then be evaluated. It is
essential that care be exercised in selecting a uniform treatment of the basis metal for determination of
covering power at low current densities. Covering power is defined as the ability of a plating solution,
under a specified set of plating conditions, to deposit metal on the base of recesses or deep holes.

Figure 27

When the thickness of the deposit at various current density points on a Hull Cell is measured, valuable
information is revealed. When these values are compared to the theoretical value for thickness based on
Faraday's Law, the figures show that the efficiency declines at high current densities. This reduces build-
up on the edges of parts. In the low current density range, the apparent increase in thickness above the
theoretical is the result of an alteration of the normal current distribution by polarization effects or
additives.

The “thickness values at 100% efficiency” has been calculated using the equation:

(A x Hr)/(mil x ft2) = F

Figure 28

Upon plotting the data in slide 28 and examining the two curves, it is readily apparent that the deposits of
zinc will not build up excessively on the high-current-density areas of parts. Even though the current
2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 16
density is increased 8-fold from 10 to 80 A/ft2, the thickness of the deposit increases only by a factor of
3.5. In other words, zinc deposits from alkaline solutions are always more uniform than nickel deposits
from an acid plating solution, because the efficiency of nickel plating solutions within the useable range
does not decrease as the current density is increased. Good throwing power is defined as a more uniform
deposit thickness (coating distribution) over the primary current distribution.

Figure 29

Another type of test cell in use is the 1,000-mL Jiggle Cell. It is equipped with mechanical agitation and a
tubing connection for air agitation. It also has a heater with a thermostat to control temperature. The
Jiggle Cell can be used for various types of plating solutions, such as nickel, acid copper, and acid zinc.
Because the anode is parallel to the cathode, one cannot observe as large a plating range on this type of
panel as that plated in the angled regular 267 mL Hull Cell. By configuring the cathode panel, however,
one can observe properties which would not be apparent on a flat panel.

Shown on the left, is a schematic of a Jiggle Cell panel and the current densities in specific areas on the
panel. The panels can be either steel or brass, and can be bent into other configurations to show specific
properties of interest.

Figure 30

In the higher current density ranges, solution movement is critical to deposit quality. If the metal ions
cannot be re-supplied as fast as they are being plated out, the deposit quality suffers. More efficient

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 17

replenishment is achieved by more effective solution movement. Measuring that movement with
conventional means is not a practical matter.

Recently, Lu* has combined the trapezoidal geometry of a Hull Cell with a rotating conical electrode. This
new development has been appropriately dubbed the Lu Cell. As shown here, a rotating cone cathode is
used with a stationary cylindrical anode. The rotation speed can be precisely controlled to produce the
desired solution agitation effects. As with a conventional Hull Cell, these effects are monitored over a
wide range of current densities. Dr. Lu has developed a variety of geometries, including rotating cone
cathode/stationary disk anode and rotating cylinder/reverse cone anode arrangements.

 [P-Y. Lu Plating and Surface Finishing, 78, (10) 62-65 (1991)]

Figure 31

Several investigators have developed other test cell geometries that address the mass transport factor.
Shown here is the Hydrodynamically Controlled Hull Cell (HCHC)*. The central rotating cylinder contains
the anode (seen at the bottom) and the cathode, which comprises the upper 80 percent of the cylinder. A
spectrum of current densities, produced by the variation in distance from the anode, is established along
the length of the cathode. The speed of the rotating cylinder provides a quantitative control of mass
transport.

Note: There is an upper limit on the rotational speed of both these devices, where the solution will begin
to rotate, making the relationship between the rotational speed and the diffusion layer thickness invalid
and non-uniform across the cathode. In this case, baffles may be placed in the solution and a higher
rotational speed and a lower diffusion layer thickness can be established. It may not be possible to
simulate the diffusion layer thicknesses for the very high speed plating techniques depending on specific
designs of the Hull Cell, Lu Cell and HCHC.

An anode at the bottom of the HCHC may interfere with the development of a uniform diffusion layer
thickness because of the influence of the oxygen gas bubbles. This effect will be greater as the current
density is higher. The top of the rotating member of the Lu Cell must be electrically isolated so that a
current density distribution is maintained as required.

*. Kadija, J.A. Abys, V. Chinchankar and H.K. Strachil, Plating and Surface Finishing, 78, (7) 60 (1991).

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 18

Figure 32

The Haring Cell is used to determine the “throwing power” of a plating solution. The cell is rectangular,
with dimensions 23 cm long, 6.3 cm wide and 7.6 cm deep. Slots are cut into the wall, to allow the anode
to be placed off center at various ratios of distance between the two cathodes. For example, the anode
can be placed 3.8 cm from cathode-2 shown in the slide, and this would place it about 19.6 cm from
cathode 1, a ratio of about 5:1. Obviously, if the solution deposited the same amount of thickness on both
cathodes, the throwing power of the solution would be great. The throwing power (in %) can be calculated
from the formula:

Throwing Power (%) = T Cathode-2 X 100

T Cathode-1

Where T Cathode-1 = Thickness on Cathode-1 (closest)

And T Cathode-2 = Thickness on Cathode –2 (farthest from anode)

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 19

 Appendix

Another version of the Hull Cell is called the Hanging Hull Cell, and as the name implies, is designed to
hang directly on the cathode bar of the plating tank. Shown on the bar is a 0-50 amp ammeter, which
makes contact with the bus bar. The Hull Cell hangs below the ammeter and comprises a V-shaped box,
having slots on one side into which the test panels are inserted. The panel inserted on the left wall of the
cell makes screw contact with the bar. A flexible lead to the bar connects vertically to the ammeter.
Current density charts are available that cover the range from 1 to 30 amp. Using the amperage indicated
on the meter dial as a reference value, the current densities over the test panels may be found. The low-
current-density or right-hand side of the test panel will always be indicated by a burned dot on the reverse
side of the panel where contact is made with the screw head.

Because the Hanging Hull Cell operates directly in the plating solution, a much closer picture of the actual
operating range present in the solution is obtained on the test panels than in the laboratory Hull Cells.
This is especially true in chromium plating solutions. Running the panels will establish the actual bright
plating range and effects of impurities that might be present in the solution. The overall performance of
the entire finishing operation (cleaning, pickling and plating), including sequence plating- such as
copper/nickel/chromium, can be examined at any desired stage. A drawback to this device is that any
changes in chemical composition or operating conditions must still be evaluated in a “normal” Hull Cell, or
the operator risks adverse effects upon production.

This cell can also be used to make a current survey of a plating tank. A cleaned panel is inserted into the
cell head and the unit may hang on various positions of the cathode rod. With the total voltage at a fixed
value, the meter readings on the Hanging Hull Cell should be the same throughout the length of the
cathode bar.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 20

Review Questions-Cells & Others

1. [ ] True or [ ] False: High current densities correspond to the area of the cathode
nearest to the anode.

2. To replicate a 2 oz/gal increase in a solution ingredient, we need to add _____ grams

of that ingredient to a 267 mL Hull Cell.

3. Brass panels are used for acid copper plating in order to [ ] prevent immersion
deposition of copper or [ ] provide adequate conductivity.

4. Hull Cell tests can be used to detect problems [ ] before or [ ] after they cause
rejects in production.

5. [ ] True or [ ] False: Providing air or mechanical agitation during Hull Cell tests is
more important in zinc plating than it is in nickel plating.

6. The ________Cell is used instead of the Hull cell for evaluating solutions used in high
speed (strip/reel-reel) plating.

7. [ ] True or [ ] False: Nickel will plate faster in the valleys of polish marks than on the
peaks when using a plating solution containing no leveling agents.

8. [ ] True or [ ] False: The terms covering power and throwing power mean the same
thing.

9. [ ] True or [ ] False: The Haring Cell is used to measure the throwing power of a
plating solution.

10. [ ] True or [ ] False: The Jiggle Cell is commonly used in place of the Hull Cell in
evaluating acid copper plating solutions.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 21

Review Questions-Hull Cells & Others-Duplicate Copy for Future Study

1. [ ] True or [ ] False: High current densities correspond to the area of the cathode
nearest to the anode.

2. To replicate a 2 oz/gal increase in a solution ingredient, we need to add _____ grams

of that ingredient to a 267 mL Hull Cell.

3. Brass panels are used for acid copper plating in order to [ ] prevent immersion
deposition of copper or [ ] provide adequate conductivity.

4. Hull Cell tests can be used to detect problems [ ] before or [ ] after they cause
rejects in production.

5. [ ] True or [ ] False: Providing air or mechanical agitation during Hull Cell tests is
more important in zinc plating than it is in nickel plating.

6. The ________Cell is used instead of the Hull cell for evaluating solutions used in high
speed (strip/reel-reel) plating.

7. [ ] True or [ ] False: Nickel will plate faster in the valleys of polish marks than on the
peaks when using a plating solution containing no leveling agents.

8. [ ] True or [ ] False: The terms covering power and throwing power mean the same
thing.

9. [ ] True or [ ] False: The Haring Cell is used to measure the throwing power of a
plating solution.

10. [ ] True or [ ] False: The Jiggle Cell is commonly used in place of the Hull Cell in
evaluating acid copper plating solutions.

2013 AESF Foundation/NASF, Inc. 22