Device for continuous electrolytic polishing of rod-shaped work pieces of zirconium alloys

In order to give rod-shaped work materials of zirconium alloys, used in nuclear reactor plants, an extremely corrosion-resistant surface, it is best to electropolish them. In order to improve the method for continuous electropolishing, the electrolyte container surrounding the work piece and simultaneously acting as cathode has elastic seals on both sides which act as a barrier to the electrodes, as well as guarantee the exact centering of the work pieces passing through. The seals are cast of silicon caoutchouc and are designed to have a high-pressure gas padding. Furthermore, advantageous layouts of the apparatus (cooling, introduction, inner walling, material) are described. (UWI)