What is metal recovery? What will this type of system do for me?
What type of resin do I need? What size system do I need?
These are the most commonly asked questions asked regarding Ion-Exchange Metal
Recovery.
Ion-Exchange Metal Recovery uses what is known as Resin Technology. The Ion-Exchange Columns are filled with resins that “grab” the metals that are in solution, known as the “soluble” metal. “Soluble” metal should not be confused with metal “fines.” Metal “fines” are actually solid, tangible fragments which have to be decanted and filtered before going into the Ion-exchange Column. Most waste streams contain both forms of metals. Pre-filtering and settling is very important in removing solids, organics, waxes, etc. that are present in solutions, which can contaminate resins.
Once the solutions to be recovered have been settled and filtered, they can then go through the Resin Column. The resin then basically “exchanges” one of their ions, for an ion of soluble metal. Thus, the resin ends up filled with metal ions. The filled resin can be refined for precious metals, regenerated, or disposed of within environmental guidelines, for non-precious metals.
Capacities of these columns are available from 1/2 cubic feet up to 10 cubic feet or more. Determining the capacity required depends on the volume of metals being processed. For example, processing 4 to 5 Kilos of gold per week through a “bombing operation” would require a 2 cubic foot column. Processing 2 to 3 Kilos per week would require a 1 cubic foot column. Each Cubic Foot of resin can hold anywhere from 13 to 20 troy ounces of TOTAL METAL. Please note that TOTAL METAL is not only the “gold” that is being recovered, but all the metals in the alloy as well. The columns can process 2 to 3 gallons of solution per minute per cubic foot. Flow information is also necessary in determining the capacity of a settling tank prior to the column. These facts also hold true for columns being used in other areas such as tumbling or washing areas. Flow rates and metal volume are an important in determining column capacities, and settling tank sizes.
Resin selection can be a little complex. The four basic types of resins are “Anion”, “Cation”, “Chelating”, and “Mixed Bed”. Each of the types can be manufactured in different forms to become “selective” for metal recovery. We have developed the following resins with an overview to simplify the selection.
METAL RECOVERY / WASTE TREATMENT RESINS
MBX-105 GOLD recovery. SILVER and COPPER that are
cyanide complexed will be recovered. The
exchange process also has the capability of
treating some of the remaining cyanide that
still may be present. Additionally this resin
is used to treat HEX CHROME (Cr6) waste
streams.
MBD-12 Recovers TIN, LEAD, NICKEL, and CADMIUM.
These metals are not worth any monetary
payback, but need to be recovered for
environmental compliance.
MB-CP10 ACID COPPER waste streams. TRI CHROME
(Cr3) waste streams. These metals are not
worth any monetary payback, but need to
be recovered for environmental compliance.
MBX-37 Recovers most metals. This resin is also
refereed to as a “Mixed Bed” resin It is
non-selective. This resin is good for
recovering several different metals not
in a cyanide solution, such as tumbling
wastes, and washing areas.
*Other resins are available for specific operations. Special Chelating Resins are available for refining operations where aquaregia may be present. Resins for iron and mineral removal resins are also available.
These systems when used for gold recovery, pay for themselves, and here is an example of how that works.
If one cubic foot of resin can hold 13 to 20 troy ounces of total metal, you can estimate that 58% of the metals is gold, based on recovering from a14 karat gold operation, such as “bombing”. If the column holds 15 ounces of metal, the gold content would be 8.7 troy ounces. Based on a gold price of $300.00 per ounce, your return should be $2610.00! Actual recovery amounts will vary, based on specific conditions.
Ion-Exchange Metal Recovery has proven itself to be one of the most efficient methods of
metal recovery. It is the closest thing to 100% recovery currently available.
In situations where NON-PRECIOUS METALS are used, these systems recover “what cannot go down the drain”. Tin, lead, cadmium, nickel, copper, etc. are not recovered for monetary payback, but can SAVE YOU ALOT OF MONEY by helping you to be in compliance with the sewer and environmental authorities. Instead of “refining” these resins, they are either disposed of properly, or in some cases, they can be chemically “regenerated” for re-use.
ION-EXCHANGE METAL RECOVERY SYSTEMS ARE EASY TO USE,LOW COST, AND EFFICIENT!
WATER TREATMENT RESINS
*DI-CATION Removes CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, SODIUM, and
POTASSIUM from the water supply.
Strong acid type.
*DI-ANION Removes CARBONATE, BICARBONATE, SULFATE,
CHLORIDE, NITRATE, FLORIDE, and HYDROXIDE.
Strong base type.
*Note: When combining a DI-CATION Column followed by a DI-ANION Column in series, the resulting water quality will be greater than 20K resistance. This is known as a two bed system.
DI-MIXED BED Polishes a two bed system to a water quality
of 1 megohm to 18 megohm resistance. The
water quality is often referred to as
“Ultrapure Water”.
Semiconductor and specialty water resins are available. Please specify use when requesting.
DISCLAIMER
The information and data presented here is based on our past experience and information we believe to be reliable. However no guarantees are expressed or implied in as much as conditions and methods of commercial use are beyond our control.
Return To Ion-Exchange Resins
You can Email us also at: info@gocctech.com
Designed By:
This page was last updated on September 25, 2003