USE OF A SPREADSHEET-BASED COMPUTER-PROGRAM TO CALCULATE CHEMICAL ADDITIONS AND IMPLEMENT A FEEDBACK-CONTROL SYSTEM

The use of a spreadsheet-based computer program to assist with control of plating baths is described, This program saves time by automating record-keeping, calculations, and graphing, The program calculates add s based On the chemical analyses. and provides adds for each Shift unt il the next analysis Is due, In addition to an immediate response to t he analysis, the program examines the recent concentrations and compar es them to the control limits. The estimated amount of chemical used p er shift is adjusted in response, and this is used in future calculati ons, which helps prevent a recurrence of any excursion, The control of our tanks has improved as a result of the time saved and the consiste ncy of the computer's response.