Technology Demonstration of the Zero Emissions Chromium Electroplating System; Appendix I: CHPPM Report on Air Sampling

This volume is an Appendix to the main report, Volume 1, which documents the demonstration of a technology developed by PRD, Inc, for control of chromium emissions during hard chromium electroplating, the Zero Emissions System. The technology involves placing a blanket of a proprietary fluid, called PRD-EL1, on top of the plating bath. This fluid blanket prevents the formation of aerosols, which is the mechanism by which chromium is emitted from the plating bath to the air. The majority of the testing was directed at demonstration of the effectiveness of chromium plating in the presence of the immiscible blanket. Testing was conducted at Benet Laboratories on coupons and actual parts from Army vehicles. The results indicate that PRD-EL1 may cause deleterious effects on the plating process, as some of the parts failed qualitative tests performed at Benet. However, some parts, which were plated without the fluid blanket present as a baseline control, also failed the tests. Air sampling results indicate that the presence of the PRD-EL1 fluid reduced the chromium emissions and indoor air concentration below standard levels. Overall, the results indicate that the use of the PRD process would require additional testing before it could be accepted for use in Army production and maintenance operations. The original document contains color images.