Processing memory chips

[oldtimmer]

I have about 4500 grams of chips that have been removed from 500 plus memory cards. I have removed most of the external pins from the chips. They have been broken up and ready to start the process.

What is the best method to dissolve the remaining steel pins before I process in HCl+Cl? From experience, I know that AP does not dissolve the steel pins. Nitric acid bath? Will the poor mans Nitric acid (Sodium Nitrate and Battery Acid) work to dissolve the pins or do I need to use a better or stronger grade of Nitric Acid?

 

[lazersteve]

Oldtimer,

Poor man's nitric should do the trick to remove the base metals and silver form the crush black ics.

Be sure you cool the nitric mixture for at least an hour to -5C and siphon off the liquid portion before using the homemade nitric.

Test a small sample before you commit to the entire batch so you know what to expect (foaming, colors, fumes, reaction rate, etc.).

Steve