In addition to the basic chemicals (Watts' basic solution) galvanic nickel electrolytes contain organic additives, which are supposed to ensure a high-gloss and ductile deposition quality of the product under defined process conditions. These organic additives (brighteners, wetting agents, levelers, etc.) are affected during the operation of the electrolyte by a variety of electrochemically induced reactions and must therefore be replaced. The decomposition products remain in the solution except for the part, which is discharged with the goods. This increases the sum of the dissolved organic ingredients, a parameter that is best measured with the TOC value (Total Organic Carbon). In addition, a further and not insignificant proportion of the particularly harmful disruptive substances is introduced into the electrolyte by the treated goods, which also deteriorates the quality of the electrolyte.

By means of an enviolet UV-oxidation, the surfactants are destroyed in the first part of the oxidation and after that the grinding and polishing agents dissolved in the electrolyte are eliminated.
In the subsequent stages of UV oxidation treatment, the TOC is gradually oxidized to mineralization to obtain a fresh base of Watts electrolyte.

Features of Advanced UV Oxidation Treatment:
  - High savings potential through good utilization of the gloss-forming organic components of the electrolyte
  - Significantly reduced effort for mechanical pretreatment (grinding, polishing)
  - no or little disposal of spent electrolyte (environment)
  - fast availability (capacity)
  - applicable to all available bath types on the market (flexibility)
  - reproducible, good treatment result (production safety)
  - high degree of automation (expense, safety)

Another advantage of the UV oxidation technique is that excesses from the bright nickel range (calving of the baths) after the treatment can also be used in semi-gloss or matt nickel, since saccharin can also be eliminated by UV oxidation.