Apparatus for electroplating the interior of an elongated pipe

Claim 1

In combination, apparatus capable of moving within an elongated pipe for electroplating the inside diameter thereof: a first and second spaced sealing discs defining a substantially sealed compartment therebetween and being adapted tO move within the confines of said hollow member, the shape of said sealing discs being structurally constructed to mate with the shape of the inside of said pipe; an elongated anode being disposed between said first and second sealing discs, said anode having one end coupled to said first sealing disc and the other end coupled to said second sealing disc, said anode being adapted to couple said sealing discs together, said anode being substantially centered in said pipe by said discs; an inlet port being coupled to said first sealing disc and communicating with said compartment; an outlet port being coupled to said first sealing disc and communicating with said compartment; a source of electroplating solution; a first conduit being coupled between said source and to said inlet port; a second conduit being coupled between said source and said outlet port; pump means connected into said first conduit for circulating electroplating solution through the inlet port of said first sealing disc and recirculating said solution through said compartment and out said outlet port back of said sealing disc to said source; a source of electrical energy coupled to said anode; a plurality of spray nozzles spacially disposed on one of said pair of sealing members outside of said compartment and said plurality of spray nozzles being directed towards the inner walls of said pipe; and a third conduit coupled between said source of washing solution and said spray nozzle.