nalexandrov
Member
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2011
- Messages
- 10
I have a high output (2kw) electrolytic oxyhydrogen generator I built. This flame will destroy all kinds of crucibles, the secret to a nice oxyhydrogen furnace is using a zro2 coated (at flame contact point) graphite crucible which is properly insulated (easy when your combustion gas "implodes"). I have been researching this technology for years and have a few other tricks if anyone is interested.
I am interested in using this to fire assay/smelt PGM from cats. Most protocols I have seen involve using lead oxide to lower the melting point of the PGM during the smelting process and act as a collector metal upon reduction. Since my furnace is not limited by temperature what would be the most optimal composition? I have heard of silver, copper and other metals to collect the material. Do any of these simplify the process compared to lead oxide? What are the pros and cons of various PGM collection metals? I want something that is selective to PGM and will have limited impurities, and being easy to extract would be nice.
So what im asking is if you were not limited by flame temperature what would your optimal composition be for this process?
I know that there are a lot of books and patents that touch on the subject but nothing compares to advice from experience.
Also a pro question: in this type of smelting is it preferable to have the heat source coming from the bottom where the metal collects or from the top?
Also an oxyhydrogen flame trained directly on a refractory material would reach temperatures of 2000C+, is there any way to leach the PGM by directly heating the ceramic carrier material? Or maybe a very simplified process?
I am interested in using this to fire assay/smelt PGM from cats. Most protocols I have seen involve using lead oxide to lower the melting point of the PGM during the smelting process and act as a collector metal upon reduction. Since my furnace is not limited by temperature what would be the most optimal composition? I have heard of silver, copper and other metals to collect the material. Do any of these simplify the process compared to lead oxide? What are the pros and cons of various PGM collection metals? I want something that is selective to PGM and will have limited impurities, and being easy to extract would be nice.
So what im asking is if you were not limited by flame temperature what would your optimal composition be for this process?
I know that there are a lot of books and patents that touch on the subject but nothing compares to advice from experience.
Also a pro question: in this type of smelting is it preferable to have the heat source coming from the bottom where the metal collects or from the top?
Also an oxyhydrogen flame trained directly on a refractory material would reach temperatures of 2000C+, is there any way to leach the PGM by directly heating the ceramic carrier material? Or maybe a very simplified process?