METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR THE ELECTROCHEMICAL TREATMENT OF WORK SURFACES

A method and apparatus for the electrochemical treatment of work surfaces is disclosed. The method includes placing an electrolytic solution in contact with a suitable membrane. The solution passes through the membrane in a first direction to contact the work surface to be treated. A current is passed through the solution and the workpiece to polarize the ions contained in the solution and to initiate an electrochemical reaction between the work surface and a first portion of the polarized ions, electrochemically reactive with the work surface. A second portion of the polarized ions, non-reactive electrochemically with the work surface passes through the membrane in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to assure a relatively rapid and uniform rate of electrochemical treatment. The apparatus comprises a container for the electrolytic solution to which is affixed the membrane, which acts as a dispensing member for the solution, and a voltage source for passing current through the solution and the work surface. A vibrator and/or pressure applier may be associated with the container to increase the dispensing rate of the solution through the membrane.