Electrochemistry Cell Construction. Am i Safe?

[IntelGold]

I have contructed a cell for deplating and would like to ask a few questions. I have seen most people build the lead so it sits in the solution with just one piece coming out to connect the negative terminal. Am i ok with what i have done with the two coming out of solution to add extra support?? The copper mesh basket is slightly raised but i have done this on purpose so when items are added for deplating it goes vertical through the weight. Also am i ok with 98% Sulphuric or should it be watered down?
Can anyone see any problems that i might run into, i want to be safe.
Thanks for any help.

 

[lazersteve]

Looks fine to me. The only suggestion I can give would be to make sure your copper basket does not 'bottom out' in the cell. The reason for this is that once the cell begins to fill with the black sludge (dirty gold), the sludge will short out the anode (basket) and the cathode (lead electrode). Remember the sludge is conductive.

Do not dilute your acid, 98% is fine the way it is.

Steve

 

[IntelGold]

Hi Steve, Ok thanks, i will go ahead and give it a go. The copper basket is maybe to high if anything. Its about an inch of the bottom with nothing in but i guess when full of pins it will lower it to a good height.
Getting a bit late now and raining so will i will try it tomorrow and let you know how i got on. Looks like im pulling more pins tonight, my poor hands..!
Cheers Steve your knowledge is invaluable.

 

[IntelGold]

Hi All, I have still not got round to giving my cell a run as yet. Been so busy doing over 1000 memory sticks, ripping flatpacks off and pulling pins from over 80 kg of motherboards. I have all the equipment ready for the cell and was hoping somebody would let me know if my battery charger is up to the job.
Will it be to much and get to hot to quickly or the other way around and not work quick enough?
Here is a picture of it -

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[teenscrapper16]

At 2.7 amps its gonna be really slow but then again safer for a longer period.

 

[resabed01]

That power supply is way under-rated. It may work and it may not but most likely it will overheat or cut out if it has built in protection.
Why not get a old computer power supply and convert it so it works for your cell. That's what I did. it can supply 12v at about 20A all day long because it's built for that current and has a cooling fan.
All I have to worry about now is the electrolyte overheating.

This thread shows you what you need...

http://goldrefiningforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=40&t=11677

 

[IntelGold]

Thanks for the replys. I dont really want to go chopping up a computer power supply. What is the best amperage for the cell would 10 amp be better? Maybe somehting like this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIXED-VOLTAGE-LABORATORY-POWER-SUPPLY-UNIT-240V-to-10A-12V-DC-120W-/140972885853?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item20d2a3875d
Thanks.

 

[IntelGold]

Or even this......
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Reconditioned-20A-Amp-Car-Battery-Charger-12-24V-/161026041480?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item257de66688
Maybe slight overkill at 20 amp?
Any help appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[IntelGold]

Been reading the forum and found this Quote -
"If you have a 2:1 anode:cathode ratio, if the solution makeup is proper, and if all the other parameters are within range, the proper cathode current density is about 12 to 16 amps per square foot (it's in the link I gave). Here again, if everything is set up properly, the voltage will automatically fall into line. I would guess it would be about 2 to 3 volts. The amperage is primarily what's important - that's what creates the deposit."

 

[teenscrapper16]

10 amps is a good starter setup or 6 amps just remembe take breaks let it cool dont let it get over 50 celsius (I believe thay is the #)

 

[jmdlcar]

I want to buy a digital amp meter but only goes up to 10 amp. Will it work or not? Here is the link that has it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-56-Blue-LED-Digital-DC-Ammeter-AMP-Mini-Current-Panel-Meter-DC-0-9-99A-/221201320285?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3380a0495d

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-36-Blue-LED-Digital-DC-Ammeter-AMP-Mini-Current-Panel-Meter-DC-0-9-99A-/221203627139?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3380c37c83

I want to use it on a PC Power Supply and cell is going to be small. I only have less then a pound of pins. And I have all time time to do this.

If it will work I will use it on a Silver Cell some day.

Jack

 

[IntelGold]

I think i have found a good power supply. What do you think of this. Seems a reasonable price as well.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Switch-mode-240v-to-12v-DC-13-8v-actual-power-supply-10-amp-output-SPS-1310-/130906010060?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item1e7a9b31cc
I also will need a amp/volt meter as this does not have one.
Thanks all.

 

[jmdlcar]

He sell volt meter too.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-56-Mini-DC-0V-30V-Voltmeter-Blue-LED-Display-Volt-Meter-Digital-Panel-Meter-/221223015288?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3381eb5378

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-DC-0-99V-3-Wire-Voltmeter-Blue-LED-Display-Volt-Meter-Digital-Panel-Meter-/221200558372?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item338094a924

Jack

 

[IntelGold]

Decided to buy this power supply. Its a Sharman sps-1310. This power supply provides upto 10amp constant output and a surge of 12amp, has short circuit and overload protection and is regulated to 0.5%.

Switch mode 240v to 12v DC (13.8v actual) power supply, 10 amp output - SPS 1310
Could you guys let me know if you see any problems with this machine that i may run into. I know i am have to watch the temperature as it will get hot quickly, so i will shut it down every now and again.
Any other things i should be aware of?
Thanks.

 

[IntelGold]

I have just realised its a switched power supply which may need some power befrore it will start. Will an inline resistor work? Electronics is not my strong point so any help would be good.
Thanks.

 

[joem]

Why not just buy the power supply from steve's store and get it right the first time

 

[IntelGold]

I would buy from Steve but a battery charger to the Uk would cost a fortune in postage. Thanks anyway. I have set everything up now and just need to poor the acid in the bath and turn it on. Fingers crossed...

 

[IntelGold]

All Ready to go..! I have a digital read out of Volts and Amps. What am i looking for in regards to safty? Maximum Volts and Amps? Or am i better keeping an eye on the temperature?

Thanks for any Advice.

 

[grance]

some thing else to think about home depot sells a heat resistant plastic tub for under hot water heaters that I run my cell in incase the dish would happen to fail or I spill some. maybe its just more of a peace of mind kinda thing.

 

[IntelGold]

Thanks Grance, Good idea. I have tried to find one in the UK but could not seem to get one at my local diy shop (B and Q over here). I found a tray suitable which was made of aluminium. Maybe it would even act like a heatsink and keep the liquid a bit cooler, just a thought. :wink: