Factors limiting the accuracy of the electrolytic plotting tanks

Abstract

Experiments are described to investigate the sources of error which occur in plotting tanks. The effects due to a.c. polarization were measured in a test cell. Other errors due to misalinement and surface tension (meniscus) were investigated by means of a special experimental tank consisting of two concentric cylinders. Potentials in this differed by not more than 0.2% from the calculated potentials at any given point on the surface, provided the necessary precautions were taken. It appears possible, but difficult, to reduce this figure of 0.2%. An inferior figure can be expected for the more usual type of test apparatus.