I am ready to aqua regia 20 grams of gold. The gold is still a little dirty with traces of aluminum and any other metal that may be in foil tape. There may be some residue of adhesive but not sure about that. What should I do to assure a good run? I was thinking of adding some copper to the mix. What do you think? Also I’m not sure how much copper to add. Also can I use pennies for copper?
Welcome.
In order to make sure you have a good run,
you need to study so you understand what is expected to happen and what to do when that don't happen as planned.
Note I said when not if
After you have studied these links, come back with a plan.
What material you have.
What is your planned procedure and so on.
Just a heads up, AR is never used premixed, add HCl to it and then Nitric in increments until done.
Heads up 2, if you have powders or foils, not necessary with AR.
HCl/Bleach HCl/peroxide or HCl/ pool chlorine will do the job just fine.
Anyway here is the links:
1. Read C.M. Hokes book on refining jewelers scrap, it gives an easy introduction to the most important chemistry regarding refining.
It is free here on the forum:
Screen Readable Copy of Hoke's Book
2. Then read the safety section of the forum:
Safety
3. And then read about "Dealing with waste" in the forum:
Dealing with Waste
Suggested reading:
The Library
Forum rules :
https://goldrefiningforum.com/threads/gold-refining-forum-rules.31182/post-327766