🔬Electrolysis is an effective method for recovering silver from silver solder.
💡The silver content in silver solder is typically between 1% and 5%.
⚡Setting up an electrolytic cell using electricity to oxidize the tin can help recover silver from the solder.
🧪Chemicals like muriatic acid and hydrogen peroxide are used to dissolve and oxidize the copper in the solder.
💎The recovered silver can be further purified and utilized in other projects.
What is silver solder used for?
—Silver solder is commonly used in plumbing to replace leaded solder. The silver in the solder improves its mechanical properties.
Why refine silver solder?
—Refining silver solder allows for the extraction and recovery of the silver content, which can be purified and reused.
What chemicals are used in the process?
—The process involves the use of muriatic acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide.
How long does the refining process take?
—The process can take several hours, depending on the quantity of solder being refined.
What equipment is needed for the electrolysis process?
—You will need a power source, electrodes, a container, and chemicals for the electrolyte solution.
00:05Intro: Introducing the refining and recovery series for precious metals.
01:00Motivation behind the series and disclaimer about not making money from refining silver solder.
03:11Exploring the chemistry behind refining silver solder and the challenges of using hydrochloric acid.
04:48Set up of an electrolytic cell to oxidize the tin and recover the silver.
10:13Progress update on the electrolysis process and the need for another round of refining.
11:21Encountering issues with the melting furnace and concluding the electrolysis process.
12:10Breaking down the results and calculating the percentage of silver recovered.
15:08Reflections on the process and the potential for further analysis with XRF handheld devices.
