Phoenix Scientific

Phoenix Scientific offers process development and commercial grade electroplating systems. The electrodeposition of actinide samples for alpha spectroscopy provides a thin sample layer that is a prerequisite for optimal energy resolution. The use of this technique has been restricted, in part, because no commercial, multiple-station apparatus has been available. The electrodeposition procedure itself is not a selective technique for a particular actinide element but is easily compatible with popular separation techniques.
Electrodeposition has significant advantages over precipitation methods:
  • Significantly improves energy resolution relative to precipitation techniques
  • Eliminates the chance of destroying the detector with late stage HF in the samples
  • Reduces detector contamination from loose surface material
  • Increases the durability of the sample for archiving or recounts
  • Time efficient, multiple station sample preparation
Request a pdf copy of the Benefits of Electrodeposition Request a pdf copy of EP Supplies and Consumables Sources

Electroplating Systems

Economical cells are constructed from commonly available plastic lab ware. A 20mL polyethylene, liquid scintillation vials with the bottom removed makes a 3/4inch(19mm) planchet and a 125ml square bottle with its bottom removed makes a 1inch (25mm) planchet. The standard caps are replaced with one that has a hole in the top for contact to the electrode. A 3/4inch polished, stainless steel planchet is inserted into the cap with the polished side toward the solution. A platinum wire forms the other electrode and is anchored to a binding post at the top and has a "foot" formed just above the planchet. Agitation is automatic due to the bubbles from electrolysis. The user can adjust and monitor the current for each cell on its own individual meter. For the EP series all cells are wired in parallel so that you use only the number you need at any one time and one cell does not effect the others.
Typical configuration of Electro-Plater Apparatus showing platinum electrode, plastic scintillation vial and planchet. Note: Platinum is not included.

EP Series Electroplaters

The EP Series Electroplater is a production level system. It is available with 4, 6, 8, or 12 positions, depending on the number of samples being processed. Optional support clips are available for all configurations; as well as, optional stainless electrode arms, which will reduce the length of platinum electrode wire required. Available models can be found below.
(All units are 12-1/2" tall + the binding post and 6" deep + knobs)(All units are 12-1/2" tall + the binding post and 6" deep + knobs)
1 220V 50/60 Hz systems all come with a 30A power supply with a detachable, universal power cord. Non-US customers must supply their own power cord to fit the universal socket or modify the US standard cord to fit their local plug.
EP series systems can be set up for either 3/4inch (19mm) planchets in 20ml LSC vials or for 1in (25mm) planchets in a 125ml square bottle. Optional support clips are available for both configurations and an optional stainless electrode arm reduces the length of platinum electrode wire required.
Model EP-4 and Model EP-6 Electroplaters
Model EP-12 Electroplater with optional hood
LSC Vials and 125 mL Square Bottle in use with the EP Series

EPX Series Electroplaters

The EPX Series Electroplater is a constant current eleoctroplater. It comes in single station (single pole) or dual station (double pole) versions. These units are ideal for teaching or method development. The 0-3A and 0-30V power supply accommodates a wide range of solutions for maximum flexibility. Each EPX series cell has its own constant current power supply. For a production level electroplater, see the EP series above.
Model EPX Single Pole with power supply
Model EPX Double Pole