Patent ID: 6585875
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: C23C,C25D,C25F

Abstract:
A process having operating parameters for treating an electrically conducting surface on a workpiece by cleaning or coating the surface, comprising the steps of:deploying the electrically conducting surface of the workpiece to form a cathode in an electrolytic cell; establishing a DC voltage between the cathode and an anode in excess of 30V; forming a working gap between the anode and the cathode, and establishing a seal around the working gap to form a sealed treatment zone; delivering into the working gap an electrically conductive medium selected from the group consisting of: (A) an aqueous electrolyte from which a foam is created; (B) a foam; and a mixture of components (A) and (B), so that electrically conductive medium consisting of a foam comprising a gas/vapor phase and a liquid phase fills the working gap; adjusting the operating parameters so that an electro-plasma discharge is created between the cathode and positive ions in the electrically conductive medium which are concentrated near the electrically conducting surface of the workpiece, thereby causing micro-zonal melting of the surface; and removing foam from the working gap.