Abstract: A method for determining silver concentration in a solution is disclosed. This method generally comprises immersing a substantially pure, elemental, copper strip in a sample of the solution to be tested, agitating the strip in the sample, removing the strip from the sample, and observing the color change, if any, of the strip. These strips are generally greater than 99% pure copper, and have been coated with a metal ion layer. An alternative embodiment provides for removal of the metal ion layer immediately before testing the silver concentration of the solution. A test kit comprising the active copper strips is also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous substance containing a reactive material and the related method for making the substance is provided. The method includes establishing a thermosetting resin substance which is porous and inert to liquids in a vessel. The resin substance may then be impregnated with finer particles of a reactive material or chemicals. The reactive material is chosen such that an ionic exchange or catalytic reaction will occur when a liquid to be treated is passed through the kernels. After the reactive material is added to the resin substance, the resulting resin substance is cured by heating or by the addition of a catalyst or a combination thereof. Kernels may be formed from the thermosetting resin substance which have a sponge-like configuration and which contain the reactive particles within the supporting resin substance. Air, gases and solutions may be passed through the kernels for filtration, purification, or reactive purposes.

Abstract: A filtering assembly is provided for removal of certain substances from a solution. More particularly, apparatus and a related method are provided for removal of hazardous or environmentally unacceptable chemicals from a waste solution before it is discharged. The device includes a cylindrical housing having a spaced apart inlet and outlet. Adjacent the inlet, a metal precipitate chamber is provided to collect precipitates which includes rolled fiberglass for capturing precipitates. A filter subassembly is provided on the downstream side of the inlet. The solution is then directed through an adsorption chamber containing activated carbon. In this chamber, certain chemicals are adsorbed onto the carbon. A further filtering device may be provided intermediate the adsorption chamber and the outlet to collect any remaining particles. The solution is then substantially free of undesired and potentially hazardous substances and may then be discharged into the environment.

Abstract: A compact, self-contained, automatic electrolytic unit for recovery of silver. The apparatus includes a housing having a reservoir for unprocessed solution, an electrolytic cell disposed within the housing having a stationary cathode and anode in relative spaced relationship, a circulating pump for receiving solution being processed from the cell and returning the same to the cell with or without the addition of unprocessed solution. A metering pump may be employed to add additional unprocessed solution. It is preferred to deliver the solution within the cell at a plurality of locations so as to maintain the cell in a turbulent state. Sensors are provided for determining the level of unprocessed solution within the reservoir and overflow from the cell may be delivered exteriorly of the housing to a tailing unit for further processing. It is preferred that the reservoir, cell and pumps be maintained within a compact housing.

Abstract: A reusable cartridge for extracting precious metal from solutions containing such metal by means of a replacement reaction is disclosed. A dispersion means distributes incoming solution uniformly through a cylindrical housing having a spiral rolled exchange mass therein. The mass contains fine particles of replacement metal of higher electromotive force than the metal to be recovered. Spacer rings are provided to secure the spiral mass in position, to aid in directing the flow of solutions uniformly through the exchange mass and to prevent overly large flow paths from developing between spiral layers. A removable outlet end cap allows access to the interior of the cartridge for removal and replacement of the exchange mass thereby making the cartridge readily reusable.

Abstract: A highly compact and efficient tilting crucible furnace and smelting method is disclosed for use in the direct smelting of a precious metal containing material. A furnace body having a refractory lined cavity which has a top opening is pivotally mounted on a support frame to allow tipping thereof. A cover having a first opening to receive a gas burner and a second multi-purpose opening therein is rigidly attached to the body. A gas burner attached to the cover provides a downwardly directed oxidizing flame into the cavity to oxidize iron which is added to the cavity and other impurities in the precious metal containing material. A flux is provided to provide a thoroughly liquid mixture and after heating, the molten mass is poured through the multi-purpose cover opening into a mold. As the mold cools, a dore button of precious metal settles to the bottom of the mold and slag containing impurities forms on the top.

Abstract: A cartridge housing (12) having a liquid inlet (14) at one end and an outlet (16) at the opposite end carries in an intermediate volume a spiral rolled exchange mass (18) of flexible, resilient, fibrous material forming a matrix that is self-supporting and non-reactive with the type of solutions with which the cartridge is intended to be used. Within the exchange mass is carried a dispersed array of finely divided particles of replacement metal (19), adhesively attached to the fibers. At each end of the cartridge adjacent to the inlet and outlet is a cavity (20) communicating with a spiral end (38) of the exchange mass, and the inlet cavity (20) houses an inlet nipple (26) that has a discharge opening (30) facing generally away from the spiral end face (38) of the mass. As flow through the mass produces precipitated precious metal, the mass is able to flex and thereby avoid clogging. Fiberglass is the preferred material for the exchange matrix.