Many precious and non-ferrous metals can be mined not only in natural conditions, but also from parts used in the production of radio equipment. Of course, the useful yield of gold obtained from radio components is small, but it may well be enough for making simple jewelry. But first it is necessary to extract this gold from raw materials.
It is necessary
- - radio parts containing gold;
- - hydrochloric, sulfuric and nitric acids;
- - lead;
- - iron.
Instructions
Step 1
Use the methods described below only if you decide to become a business entity and, on completely legal grounds, start collecting and primary processing of precious metal waste. Before embarking on operations for the extraction of gold from radio components, familiarize yourself with the legislation governing the specified field of activity. Otherwise, your actions may lead to a conflict with the law.
Step 2
Pick up radio parts from which you will mine gold. In some types of parts, this metal is contained openly, in others it is hidden under a copper body. Basically, precious metals, including gold, are contained in domestically produced radio parts, manufactured back in the Soviet period. For example, gold is contained in some types of microcircuits, diodes, transistors, relays. More detailed information can be found in special publications on radio engineering.
Step 3
Choose a method for extracting gold from radio-technical parts. The choice will largely depend on the amount of precious metal in the particular part, the reagents you have at your disposal, and the time you have. The most accessible and widespread methods are those based on the use of mercury and cyanides.
Step 4
When using the electrolytic method, remove the gold plating from brass or copper parts of radio components by anodic dissolution in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. Use lead or iron as anode. Maintain the acid temperature required for the reaction within 15-25 degrees. The end of the dissolution is determined by the drop in the current strength.
Step 5
For the second method of extracting gold, prepare 1000 ml of sulfuric acid with a density of 1.8 g / cc. cm and 250 ml of hydrochloric acid with a density of 1, 19 g / cc. see Heat the mixture to a temperature of 60 degrees. Then immerse the radio component in the mixture and add a little freshly prepared nitric acid (at the rate of 1 part of the volume of nitric acid to 3 parts of hydrochloric acid). Nitric acid is necessary for the formation of aqua regia, which is a solvent for gold. Observe the strictest safety precautions when handling acids.
