Abstract: Potentially explosive mixtures which can form as a result of accidental contact between a concentrated aqueous solution of ammoniacal silver salt and a concentrated solution of a strong alkali are inhibited in an improved multi-part system for electroless deposition of silver on an activated surface by simultaneous admixture of the diluted parts thereupon. Accordingly, an improved method for inhibiting formation of explosive conditions and compounds in a mixture formed by contacting concentrated aqueous ammoniacal silver salt and a concentrated solution of alkali is provided, whereby an effective amount of an explosion inhibitor is provided either in combination with the ammoniacal silver salt, in which case sufficient extraneous ammonium ions are provided to stabilize the explosion inhibitor, or in the strong alkali, or a portion of the explosion inhibitor is provided in each of said ammoniacal silver salt and strong alkali.

Abstract: Apparatus for removal of soluble metal ions, preferably copper ions, from an effluent solution is provided comprising a chamber for continuous passage of effluent therethrough having high surface area donor and acceptor electrodes in physical contact provided therein. One preferred embodiment comprises a rectangular tank having a multiplicity of high surface area stainless steel and aluminum electrode members comprising screens or expanded or perforated sheets bisecting the flow of effluent therethrough and being in physical contact. An alternate embodiment comprises a cylindrical tank having a "jelly-roll" configuration of stainless steel and alumium screens in physical contact provided in the center of the tank, along its longitudinal axis. A method for removal of soluble metal ions from effluent solution is provided comprising treatment of the effluent by passage through the apparatus of the invention.