Abstract: A neutral dischargeable effluent is developed by reaction between an acidic, spent photographic fixer liquid and an alkaline, spent photographic developer liquid; the spent fixer liquid contains iron in solution, the iron being introduced in a de-silvering pretreatment of the spent fixer liquid. The two liquids are fed into a treatment chamber and are allowed to react in the treatment chamber to form a neutral liquid and precipitated iron-containing solids; the solids settle in the treatment chamber and the neutral liquid rises upwardly through a synthetic organic polymer fiber filter pad into a discharge chamber above the filter pad; fine sticky particles suspended in the rising neutral liquid are retained by the filter pad; a neutral effluent is discharged from the discharge chamber.

Abstract: A nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two coaxial cylindrical bodies, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: A nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two concentric electrodes, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: Metal ions and/or complexes of metal ions are removed from a solution by formation of an insoluble chelated complex of the metal ions and a polymeric precipitating agent. A two-step process of mixing the influent with the precipitating agent is used to induce rapid precipitation and obtain large, self-agglomerated precipitate without addition of flocculating agent and/or pH adjustment. In addition, parallel loops are employed to simultaneously discharge treated metal-free solution and effectively collect/remove the precipitate-containing sludge without interfering with each other. The metal capturing capacity of the polymeric precipitant is maximized by forcing the influent solution through layers of the collected precipitate and by recycling unsaturated metal-precipitant complexes in the processing loop.

Abstract: Spent solutions from photographic processors are fed into a conduit (18) to which subsequently are added precipitating agents from a first source (22) and flocculating agents from a second source (28); so that, well grown or ripened clumps of flocculated solids are formed along the conduit before being emptied into a gravity collecting vessel and shipping container (38) from which clarified liquids are displaced by a mass (50) of accumulated flocculated solids, typically through a filter (58, 142, 150, 158, 162, 166, 220) for removal of any unsettled fines. Many of the clumps of flocculated solids become enlarged enough to individually extend across and substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the conduit. As a result, the enlarged clumps substantially block passage of and strain from the solution remaining fine particles which then adhere to the clumps.

Abstract: The apparatus allows at least two film processor fixing solution tanks for black and white films with silver-based coating to be connected to a silver recovery unit. To that end, an intermediate storage tank is connected between the fixing solution tanks and the silver recovery unit. The intermediate storage tank is divided by an impervious internal partition into two chambers of equal size. The pipes connect the overflows of the fixing solution tanks to the inlets of the first chamber. Another pipe connects the outlet to the silver recovery unit. The return pipes connect the outlets of the second chamber to the inlets of the fixing solution tanks. A pipe connects the silver recovery unit to the inlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for liquid extraction is described. The apparatus includes a mixer to which a solvent stream (15) and a feed stream (16) are fed and in which they are mixed to form a flow stream or dispersion. The flow stream is fed to a two-stage settler (17) having a first settling stage (31) and a second settling stage (32). The first settling stage (31) is dimensioned such that primary phase separation occurs in the first settling stage (31), whilst secondary phase separation occurs in the second settling stage (32). The volume of the first settling stage (31) is less than that of the second settling stage (32).A process for liquid extraction, and a method for retrofitting a conventional mixer-settler are also described.

Abstract: A silver recovery device for recovering silver from silver containing fluids is provided. The silver recovery device includes an outside container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A silver recovery cartridge, positioned within the outside container, includes a silver recovery element surrounded by a liner. In one embodiment, the liner can include a sealed top for allowing the cartridge to be pressurized with fluid. Also, the silver recovery device can include a filter element for filtering the fluids prior to exiting the device.

Abstract: A system for recovering silver as a free metal from silver-bearing liquid. The silver recovery system includes a holding tank for receiving silver bearing liquid having an opening in its top and a removable cover for closing the opening. A pair of silver recovery cartridges are carried by the cover and are connected together for serial flow. Each silver recovery cartridge contains a source of ions above silver in electromotive force series for reacting with silver-bearing liquid so that silver is recovered therein. A pump is secured to the cover for delivering silver-bearing liquid from the holding tank to the silver recovery cartridges.

Abstract: A silver recovery unit for precipitating silver from photographic solutions and the like. The silver recovery unit is provided with a container having an inlet and an outlet. Positioned within the container is a silver reduction assembly including a hollow coil of screen material formed of metal that is above silver in electromotive force series. A tubular insert, in fluid communication with the container outlet, extends from the axial flow passage of the hollow coil to an elevation adjacent the top of the container. A orifice plate is secured within the tubular insert for controlling the flow of silver bearing liquid through the silver reduction assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two coaxial cylindrical bodies, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: A silver recovery device for recovering silver from photographic fluid is provided. The silver recovery device includes an outside container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet has an extension tube which causes the entering fluid to fall upon a silver recovery cartridge. The silver recovery cartridge generally includes compressed steel wool surrounded by an outside liner. The steel wool reacts with the silver contained within the photographic fluid. The silver recovery cartridge can also include baffle plates for further dispersing the fluid as it filters through the steel wool. The silver recovery cartridge is supported within the outside container by a support grid. The support grid allows fluid to filter through the cartridge and then flow out the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two concentric electrodes, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for recovering metallic silver from solutions containing silver ions by reducing silver ions and oxidizing an element in the electromotive series above silver, such as iron. The apparatus provides plug flow of solution into the reaction media and thereby eliminates the principal cause of channelling and premature failure of the media. A distribution chamber distributes solution uniformly to a porous pad of tangled threads or fibers ahead of the media. This ensures a planar flow front of solution as it enters and passes through the media. In a preferred embodiment, the pad is resilient and is supported by a highly open grating. By eliminating the flow and pressure imbalances or gradients at the entry to the media which are inherent in previous apparatus designs, the invention prevents or greatly retards the onset of channelling or plugging of the media.

Abstract: Copper is extracted from ore by crushing copper bearing ore followed by heap leaching with sulfuric acid and then moving the resulting solution to a tank containing scrap iron and agitating the solution to precipitate the copper. The tank possesses at least one gate for retaining the scrap iron, which gate is disposed above the bottom of the tank and has a mesh of at least one square inch.

Abstract: A tube connector utilized in connecting a drip tube to a header pipe in a heap leach mining percolation system which provides for strength at the normally weak connection between the header pipe and the drip tube. The tube connector includes a housing providing a fluid passageway extending therethrough between a header pipe and a drip tube. A nipple section is formed at one end of the housing for accommodating the drip tube therearound which is of a relatively short length, and hence, a relatively short bending movement, to significantly reduce breakage of the connector during transportation.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering metal values from ores is described. Comminuted ores are mixed with a liquid to form a pulp. A plurality of streams of pulp are then projected against one another, thereby causing erosion of ore particles in the pulp. A pair of pulp streams preferably emit through nozzles 68, 70 which are coaxially aligned with each other. The nozzles are located in any impact chamber 66. Gas may be supplied to the impact chamber through a gas inlet 72. The chamber may be kept at an elevated pressure, and the gas may be selected in order to facilitate the reaction of reagents in the pulp with the ore. Pulp from the impact chamber passes into a co-axial vertical tube assembly 78, 80 from where it passes back to a tank 50 for continued treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extraction of metal values from metal bearing ores. More specifically, the invention comprises, in a process 10 for extracting metal values from metal bearing ores, a method of enhancing metal value recovery from the ore. The method comprises introducing, upstream of a metal recovery section 26, a gaseous agent by means of arrangements 30. The gaseous agent is capable of promoting recovery of metal values from the ore. The gaseous agent introduction is into at least one of the pipelines 20, 24, 28 conveying ore slurry or process water for use in slurry ore or for slurry make-up.

Abstract: A silver recovery element (10) for treating a photographic developer solution containing silver ions comprises a substrate (20) having thereon a hydrophilic colloid layer containing physical development nuclei. The invention also comprises a process for recovering silver from a photographic developer solution containing silver ions, such process comprising contacting the solution with the silver recovery element. The contacting is for a time sufficient to reduce the concentration of silver in the solution to a desired level. The recovery element and process for its use are useful in treating a seasoned photographic developer solution containing silver ions.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. The fixer inlet discharging into a vertically oriented conduit located within the vessel, which contains iron therein and defines a gravity flow path for flow of the fixer within the vessel from the inlet to the bottom of the vessel. A layer of steel wool is positioned on the bottom of the vessel in the flow path of the fixer. Baffles inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber. A wash water inlet tube is aligned with an open ended vessel that surrounds the discharge outlet to dilute the mixed and neutralized developer and fixer.

Abstract: This invention relates to the extraction of metal values from metal bearing ores. More specifically, according to the invention, in a process for extracting metal values from metal bearing ores, there is provided a method of enhancing metal value recovery from the ore. The method comprises introducing, upstream of a metal recovery section 26, a gaseous or liquid agent capable of promoting recovery of the metal values from the ore, into the gland service water from at least one of the pumps 30. The introduction of the gaseous or liquid agent is by means of an arrangement 35. The agent may be oxygen.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. A baffle and long folded ribbons inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. A source of iron ions such as fine steel wool is immersed in the fluids. Ion exchange between the steel wool and the photographic fixer recovers silver from the fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber. A wash water inlet tube is directly aligned with the discharge outlet opening in the chamber so that wash water can flow almost directly into the outlet tube to dilute the mixed and neutralized developer and fixer.

Abstract: An element and a process for recovering silver from a photographic developer solution containing silver ions. The silver recovery element (10) comprises a support (12) having a hydrophilic colloid layer (16) containing physical development nuclei on at least one of two opposing outer surfaces. Raised portions (20) space adjacent surfaces in the element's rolled-up configuration. The element can be contacted with the developer solution to recover silver from the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing metal oxide powder. A first solution, which is substantially organic, is prepared. A second solution, which is an aqueous solution substantially immiscible in the first solution, is prepared and delivered as drops to the first solution. The drops of the second solution are atomized by a pulsed electric field forming micro-drops of the second solution. Reagents in the first solution diffuse into and react with reactants in the micro-drops of the second solution forming metal hydroxide or oxalate particles. The metal hydroxide or metal oxalate particles are then recovered and dried to produce the metal oxide powder. An apparatus for preparing a metal oxide powder is also disclosed.

Abstract: Recovery apparatus to remove silver from solution including use of plastic chips such as are commonly used as packing materials to support scrap metal parts such as washer hole stampings in the flow path in a container between the inlet and outlet of the container.

Abstract: Geothermal brine is passed through a zone containing a packing metal so as to reduce its tendency to deposit iron/silica scale, reduce corrosivity of the brine, and/or remove and recover metals from the brine. The method polished the geothermal brine by contacting the brine with a packing metal higher in the electromotive series than silver for a time sufficient for a precious metals to precipitate onto the packing at brine temperature and pH conditions which inhibit iron-rich silica scale. Most preferably, the contacting is accomplished near an injection well at the end of a heat extraction process and the packing comprises coiled zinc-galvanized steel chicken wire mesh packed in a sufficient density to also act as a filter for suspended particles. Alternatively, contacting is also accomplished near the production well. Dissolving the packing in a suitable acid leaves a precious metal-rich residue behind for subsequent recovery.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber for mixing and neutralizing spent photographic developer and fixer. A baffle and long folded ribbons inside the chamber promote mixing of the developer and fixer. A source of iron ions such as fine steel wool is immersed in the fluids. Ion exchange between the steel wool and the photographic fixer recovers silver from the fixer. The desilvered fluid is diluted with wash water before it is discharged from the chamber.

Abstract: Equipment and methods for an efficient, low cost silver recovery apparatus for recovering silver from a silver-containing solution. The apparatus comprises a replaceable silver recovery subassembly, stackable container, lid, lock ring which is locked or sealed to make the container tamperproof, and an L-shaped connector by which an anodic silver reducing, hollow core metal coil in the replacement subassembly is releasibly connected to an effluent port of the recovery apparatus. The silver recovery subassembly comprises a mesh bag which is a carrier of the metal coil and containment filter for influent sludge and particulates produced during silver reduction. The mesh bag, with support by the container and lid provides a capturing net for incoming sludge as well as particulates which form during the silver reduction process.

Abstract: A reactor for recovering metals such as copper, tin and lead from concentrated, acidic aqueous solutions includes a reaction vessel retaining a bed of scrap aluminum in a packed bed above the bottom of the vessel; a plenum below the packed bed of scrap aluminum, and a filter situated within the plenum, including a first perforated pipe enclosing a coaxial second perforated pipe, through which liquid can be filtered and withdrawn for recirculation into the reactor above the packed bed of scrap aluminum. Metal recovery is effected by reduction of metal ions in solution and precipitation onto the scrap aluminum. Multiple reactor systems including equipment required for pH adjustment of the wastewater also may be used.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming rare-earth magnets and magnet precursors of fine particle sized metal alloy powders with a high degree of metal to metal intimacy and homogeneity in the particle to particle metal composition. Salts of the desired metals which may include or be selected from zirconium, samarium, iron, cobalt, copper, neodymium and boron with nitric acid in a water based solution are atomized through a nozzle, which may be ultrasonic, into fine mist droplets form metal oxide particles which condense through a heated, atmospheric environment furnace. The furnace temperature is in a range of 600.degree. to 1150.degree. C. and causes decompositon of the metal salts along with their oxidation, driving off the liquid and nitrogen components along with other carrier materials. A very fine sized powder, typically micron dimension size powder of metal oxides, in which each particle represents a homogeneous proportion of the desired metal components, is collected in the bottom of the furnace.

Abstract: A silver controller comprising a container, a core member fitted within the container, a filler material around the core member, and a fluid deflector extending around the filler material. The container has an inlet and an outlet and a base. The inlet is located at a higher level than the outlet. The core member has an aperture that is distal the base. The core member has a flange that extends outwardly above the aperture of the core member. The filler material is a metal above silver in the electromotive force series. The fluid deflector is connected to the flange and extends downwardly therefrom so as to be below the aperture in the core member. A plating shield is placed exterior of the fluid deflector. The plating shield is connected to the flange member at one end and generally abuts the bottom of the container at the other end. The plating shield is of a perforated metal suitable for allowing the passage of fluids therethrough.

Abstract: An improved canister for the recovery of silver from acidic, waste fluids is described. This canister comprises both inner and outer element, each removable from the other, with fitted top and bottom sections. The novel canister thus described, provides a rapid flow of waste material through the system and is efficient and easy to use and manufacture than prior art elements. Plugging of the canisters due to intermittent use is also reduced in the element of this invention.

Abstract: A sealed, pressurized system for processing silver bearing solutions, such as photographic solutions, for the purpose of removing the silver comprises a series of interconnected sealed containers each of which contains several spaced apart reels or masses of steel wool through which the silver bearing solution is slowly pumped under pressure and intermittently.

Abstract: A method for sorbing metal values from a slurry containing the same is disclosed. The slurry is advanced through a plurality of vessels arranged in series while countercurrently directing a sorbent through the vessels. Metal values are sorbed from the slurry in each of the vessels by mixing the pulp to achieve homogeneity with the pulp being maintained at a predetermined level in the vessel. A portion of the homogeneous pulp is directed into an interstage screening system disposed within the vessel and at least partially submerged beneath the predetermined pulp level, whereby the sorbent is separated from the slurry. The separated sorbent is primarily returned to the vessel while a portion of the sorbent is removed from the interstage screening system.

Abstract: A method and attendant apparatus for use in bioleach processing of metal-bearing solids is disclosed. The method includes the placement into a tank of metal-bearing solids, a predetermined quantity of water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients and a species of microorganisms capable of oxidizing some portion of the metal-bearing solids and obtaining energy for growth from that oxidation. The slurry formed by this placement is continuously filtered to remove process delimiting metabolic end products products by the oxidation reaction. The ratios of the various slurry components are monitored and controlled to effectuate an optimized environment for oxidation to occur. The attendant apparatus includes a means of introducing oxygen into the bottom of the reactor vessel in the form of small widely dispersed bubbles.

Abstract: A reactor for use in processing metal bearing solids by means of a bioleaching technique is disclosed. The reactor includes an open topped basin, a gantry adapted for displacement along the length of that basin and an agitation means mounted on that gantry for use in agitating a slurry retained within the basin. An air injection system having a plurality of membrane diffusers is positioned within the basin.

Abstract: A leaching vessel comprises a central outlet in which is situated a multi-bladed pump for pumping slurry from the vessel. An inclined wall adjacent the bottom wall of the vessel surrounds the outlet and has a plurality of apertures. The inclined wall defines with the bottom wall of the vessel a chamber into which cyanide solution is pumped for passage through the apertures into the slurry. The chamber may be sub-divided into radially or circumferentially spaced chambers, or both, with each chamber having a discrete inlet and flow control valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for recovery of silver from spent, waste acidic silver halide photographic processing fluid, e.g., fixer solution, comprising passing the fluid through finely divided iron e.g., steel wool, contained in a vessel in the presence of a metal salt of copper or cadmium, e.g., copper(II)sulfate, copper chloride dihydrate, cadmium sulfate, etc. The ratio of iron to metal salt is 25 to 1 to 4 to 1.

Abstract: A liquid carrier having mineral ore in the form of free particles or a salt dissolved therein is contained within a suitable container. A box member which has walls which are pervious to the liquid by virtue of apertures formed therein or the porous nature of such walls is filled with a collection material such as carbon which may be in the form of filaments or particles. This box member is suspended in the liquid carrier. An elastic member which may be a plate of steel has an orbitting mass oscillator attached to the top end thereof. This elastic member is suspended in the liquid in opposing relationship to the box member. The rotor of the oscillator is rotatably driven so as to generate sonic energy in the elastic member. The carbon particles provide an electrode of an electrolytic system such that the mineral in the carrier, e.g. gold migrates to the carbon particles and deposits thereon.

Abstract: A grading decomposer apparatus for continuously decomposing a liquor of sodium aluminate supersaturated in alumina comprises a cylindrical-conical tank for containing the liquor, having an upper cylindrical portion and an overflow generally peripherally disposed in the upper portion. A centrally disposed tubular element passes from above into the upper portion of the tank; the tubular member terminates in the cylindrical portion of the tank below the overflow. The apparatus also includes an off-take from the lower portion of the tank to an outlet; liquor is recycled from the lower portion of the tank to the upper portion within the tubular element and below the overflow, and liquor is introduced into the upper portion of the tank within the tubular element and below the overflow. A static disperser is disposed within the tubular element, the liquor feed and the recycled liquor inlet in order to create a feed and tranquilization zone within the tubular element.

Abstract: In gold and/or silver cyanide leaching-adsorption processes employing solid adsorbents such as activated charcoal, the overall efficiency in the recovery of gold and/or silver from ores or the like is greatly increased by contacting the cyanide slurry containing the gold and/or silver, with oxygen gas instead of normal air. A generally pure oxygen gas can be bubbled into a vessel containing the slurry, and a cover (e.g. a floating cover) may be provided on the vessel to reduce the oxygen transfer out of the solution and to facilitate pressurization of the system with an oxygen atmosphere. The procedures of the invention are applicable to carbon-in-pulp (CIP), and carbon-in-leach (CIL) processes and related processes using resins. Deaeration of the ore slurry can be practiced prior to the introduction of the oxygen.

Abstract: Process for recovery of silver from spent, waste acidic silver halide photographic processing fluid, e.g., fixer solution, comprising passing the fluid through finely divided iron, e.g., steel wool, contained in a vessel in the presence of a metal salt of copper or cadmium, e.g., copper(II)sulfate, copper chloride dihydrate, cadmium sulfate, etc. The ratio of iron to metal salt is 25 to 1 to 4 to 1. An apparatus for recovery of silver is also described.

Abstract: A novel system for chemically leaching ore that decreases pollution to the environment and that enhances reaction kinetics and economic considerations. An impervious covering (18) blankets a distribution network of drip lines (17) laid over the ore heap (14). A lixiviate containing solution is forced by means of a pump (11) through a venturi eductor (19) into the distribution network of drip lines (17) for application to the ore heap (14). After percolating through the ore heap (14), the leach solution is recycled through a recovery system (16) to the venturi eductor (19).

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: By providing an open-ended perforate vessel which is rotatable about its central axis and incorporates a removable filter element, a highly efficient easily employable precious metal recovery apparatus is achieved capable of removing precious metal from an aqueous carrier. Preferably, the perforate vessel is supportingly contained within a housing which receives the aqueous carrier after passage through the filter and delivers the aqueous carrier to a disposed area. In addition, the perforate vessel is preferably cylindrically shaped with holes formed throughout and the filter comprises a bag-like or envelope-like construction which is easily mounted about the walls of the vessel as well as easily sealed after filtration with the precious metal contained therein for delivery to a reclamation center.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the automatic recovery of silver from argentiferous wash waters comprising an ion exchanger device, a regenerative device and a purification device for the ion exchanger device and a silver separator whereby the devices, the containers thereof, switch elements, pumps and connection lines are arranged in the apparatus such that the three following flow cycles are produced, which may be controlled and periodically switched by a computer.I. a flow cycle for separating the silver,II. a flow cycle for regenerating the ion exchanger column, andIII. a flow cycle for purifying the ion exchange column.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for recovering silver from a silver-containing solution. The device includes a container having influent and effluent passageways and a filler element composed of a metal above silver in the electromotive force series. The filler is disposed about an elongated core having an aperture in the side thereof. The filler may be formed of steel wire wound in the fashion of a spool about the core. One or more baffles may be situated within the filler to extend the length of the path taken by fluid flowing from the influent passageway through the filler to the core and then through the effluent passageway. Solution flowing through the filler reacts therewith so that silver is deposited within the container. An opening may be provided in the top of the container to permit viewing of the contents to determine whether the capacity of the container has been exhausted or whether the device is operating properly.

Abstract: Silver is recovered from solutions such as photographic fixer solutions by contacting the solution with a metallic exchange medium. The metallic exchange medium comprises a plurality of buoyant elements, each comprising a substrate coated with iron. The substrate can be expanded polystyrene beads and the iron can be sponge iron of small particle size.

Abstract: A first metal is removed from solutions such as polluted water by contacting the solution with a metallic exchange medium. The metallic exchange medium comprises a plurality of buoyant elements, each comprising a substrate coated with a second metal sufficiently reactive to undergo an electrochemical exchange reaction with the first metal. The substrate can be expanded polystyrene beads and the metal can be iron such as sponge iron of small particle size.

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.