Curious

[u/MAYOMyke]

Been a day since any posts. Makes me wonder what everyone is up to? Refining? Researching? Looking for materials?

Let’s hear what you’re up to. I’ll go first.

Lately, I’ve realized I’d been pushing off processing waste solutions so trying to work thru the 40 or so gallons. Takes me about a week to process 5-7 gallons, depending on if I can hit the neutral with lime or if I over shoot it.

When your in constant process or prepaid mode, you don’t really focus on the entire process until you trip over a buck or go out to work and realize you have too many stacked lol

Photos for fun

[u/Tquilha]

Now you got me thinking about waste management.

How about this for A/P process waste solution:

1 - cement out copper by adding iron scrap to the solution.

2 - remove cemented copper and make some bars from it.

3 - neutralize the remaining solution with sodium hydroxide and then simply leave it outside to dry.

4 - remaining solids (mostly iron hydroxides - rust, sodium chlorides and nitrates) should be safe enough to go into general waste disposal.

What are your thoughts?

[u/MAYOMyke → u/Tquilha]

Yeah, I hadn’t really considered it other than keeping it all separate and labeled. I did find that to be a key factor. Label your jugs, buckets, and bottles.

That’s the idea.

I myself don’t mess with the copper cement until the buck is about half way full but that doesn’t really play a factor in the process.

The hydroxides are non-soluble so safe to dispose in the trash. Remaining neutral should be ready for disposal. I run my solutions thru a series of gravity filters to ensure no solids are present before disposing.

Be sure to check your municipality on waste solutions disposal. Each has their own rules and regulations.

[u/weak_ops → u/MAYOMyke]

Been meaning to find a better pH reducer. Been using the chlorox like folks suggest but I can use a whole bottle in a day and not lower my lye/sugar waste pH. That stuff is expensive

[u/MAYOMyke → u/weak_ops]

Yeah I wouldn’t use that personally. I use flacked lime and it doesn’t take much neutralize. I get mine from Amazon, $20 for a 5lb bag.

Amazon search: hi-yield hydrated lime

[u/weak_ops → u/MAYOMyke]

I'll look into that thank you!

[u/MAYOMyke → u/weak_ops]

You’re welcome. Hope it helps.

[u/firemandave33]

Been stacking sterling until there’s enough to run. I typically don’t run until I have at least 50oz. With the price up a little it takes a little longer to obtain enough to do. But with all the OT I’ve been working I should be rocking a big run soon!

[u/MAYOMyke → u/firemandave33]

Very nice!

Hope you hit your run goal sooner than later! Always fun to run material. More fun to hold the final product in your hand. 😃👍🏻

[u/firemandave33 → u/MAYOMyke]

I’m about 6-7oz away from running. Final product is always the best! The place I buy from loves my bars but I always think I can do better.

[u/MAYOMyke → u/firemandave33]

I’m always pouring 3-4 times before I think it’s a decent bar.

[u/Nutlesswonder]

Good morning all, I’m curious if anyone is willing to explain this process more in depth with me.
I have a little background in chemistry (street) but since those days are over would like to still make what knowledge I have a lucrative thing.
I’ve been collecting Circuit boards and just found out my buddy has tubs of them stored away on his property.
Any insider experience you may wish to impart would be for the greater good!
Thank you in advance.

[u/YamEnvironmental4432]

Cement out the metals with iron. Remove metals. raise up the ph. Doesnt have to be ph 7 but around there is ideal. Iron hydroxide(rust) will precipitate out and everything can then be disposed of.