Newbie

[jonesy]

Hi guys
I'm new to this interesting hobby. I collect silver and gold as a hobby and thought this may be a way to add to it. I have some very limited knowledge regarding chemistry and metals. Hope to learn more here.
I've tried unsuccessfully the acetic/peroxide route. I got some flakes But I have no idea what to do next or how to seperate them from the debris.

 

[eaglekeeper]

Do you have access to Hydrochloric acid in the UK, in the US we can get it as Muriatic acid also known as concrete cleaner at hardware stores. I've never used acetic acid (vinegar) in recovering/refining, but I would think Hcl would work faster.

If you swirl it around before you pour into a filter the heavier stuff should stay in the beaker, the gold flakes will be carried over into the filter. You'll have to do it several times to get all the flakes.

 

[jonesy]

Do you have access to Hydrochloric acid in the UK, in the US we can get it as Muriatic acid also known as concrete cleaner at hardware stores. I've never used acetic acid (vinegar) in recovering/refining, but I would think Hcl would work faster.

If you swirl it around before you pour into a filter the heavier stuff should stay in the beaker, the gold flakes will be carried over into the filter. You'll have to do it several times to get all the flakes.

We can get 36.6%hcl online. The paracetic acid I'm using is a bit dodgy and has a low flash point I've found out. By reading thankfully. I think ill have to leave it longer than a few days to memove the rest of the gold feom the pcb amd pins.

 

[Yggdrasil]

We can get 36.6%hcl online. The paracetic acid I'm using is a bit dodgy and has a low flash point I've found out. By reading thankfully. I think ill have to leave it longer than a few days to memove the rest of the gold feom the pcb amd pins.

We had a discussion regarding peroxyacetic acid earlier and we fund NO sensible use of it in refining.
Actually there is no use for even Acetic acid.
Where did you find such a dodgy procedure?

Straight HCl is recommended for refining.
And even if no gloves by itself is a big no no, inside the house is even worse, that is asking for trouble.
Haul your experiments outside or at least into a well vented shed.
Anything metallic will start corroding fast.

As for your material, put it all aside in a safe place and start studying.

We ask our new members to do 3 things.
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

 

[andu]

I had better experience with vinegars and a bit of salt and maybe a bit of low conc peroxide to get rid of copper than hcl and peroxide. Slow but beautiful colors and crystals if it's clean copper. A bubbler would surely do a good job too instead of peroxide and it exempts you of constantly adding more as it consumes.

 

[rainerson69]

We can get 36.6%hcl online. The paracetic acid I'm using is a bit dodgy and has a low flash point I've found out. By reading thankfully. I think ill have to leave it longer than a few days to memove the rest of the gold feom the pcb amd pins.

I have recently started the learning process for refining pcb I have collected them for a couple years and usually turn them into a scrap yard. I have started reading cm hoke s book and very much appreciate this forum and all who post thank you

 

[Yggdrasil]

I had better experience with vinegars and a bit of salt and maybe a bit of low conc peroxide to get rid of copper than hcl and peroxide. Slow but beautiful colors and crystals if it's clean copper. A bubbler would surely do a good job too instead of peroxide and it exempts you of constantly adding more as it consumes.

You do know that what happens with Acetic acid and Salt us just a weak HCl in addition to the Acetic acid.

The problem here is that since Acetic acid is an organic acid it’s salts are quite compatible by living beeings and as such at least as toxic as other compounds.

 

[Yggdrasil]

I have recently started the learning process for refining pcb I have collected them for a couple years and usually turn them into a scrap yard. I have started reading cm hoke s book and very much appreciate this forum and all who post thank you

Welcome to us.
You just replied to a text from another member, which is ok if you have something to say to the specific member.
If you are addressing the forum, then just use the text box at the bottom of the page.

It is good to see you have already started your studies, so to help you on the way I have some links to you.

We ask our new members to do 3 things.
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