Precious metals like gold are valuable and can be found in various electronic devices. While the amount of gold present in these devices is usually small, it can be extracted using an efficient method that involves the use of fire. The process of extracting gold from electronics with fire is relatively simple and straightforward; however, it requires meticulous attention to safety measures and proper execution to ensure successful extraction.
Before embarking on the gold extraction process, it’s crucial to gather the necessary materials. These include safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and a fire extinguisher, along with tools like tweezers, pliers, and a crucible. Additionally, a heat source, such as a propane torch or a furnace, is required to melt the gold-bearing components. Once the materials are assembled, the process begins by dismantling the electronic device carefully to expose the gold-containing parts. These parts are typically found on circuit boards or within connectors.
Once the gold-bearing components are identified, they must be separated from the rest of the device using tweezers or pliers. The extracted components are then placed in a crucible and heated using the heat source. As the components melt, the impurities will separate from the gold, rising to the surface as slag. Using a pipette or a small spoon, the molten gold can be carefully poured into a mold, where it will solidify and take the desired shape. The resulting gold can then be further refined or utilized for various purposes.
Gathering the Required Materials
Gloves, Mask, and Safety Goggles
Handle chemicals and fumes with utmost care. Nitrile gloves protect your hands from chemical burns, while a respirator mask and safety goggles prevent inhalation and eye irritation. Consider purchasing a NIOSH-approved respirator with P100 cartridges, specifically designed for dust, fumes, and vapors.
Ceramic Crucibles
Choose ceramic crucibles designed to withstand high temperatures required for gold extraction. Select crucibles with a capacity sufficient for the volume of electronic components you intend to process. Ensure the crucibles have lids to prevent spills and contain fumes.
Butane Torch
A butane torch provides the intense heat necessary to melt and separate gold from other materials. Select a torch with adjustable flame intensity for precise control over the heating process. Exercise caution when handling the torch, as it produces an open flame.
Acetone
Acetone is a solvent used to clean electronic components and remove any grease or dirt that could interfere with the extraction process. Choose pure acetone in a well-ventilated area, as its fumes can be harmful if inhaled.
Electronic Components or Scrap
Gather discarded or obsolete electronic devices such as computer motherboards, circuit boards, and connectors. These components contain small amounts of gold that can be extracted through this process.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nitrile Gloves | 1 Pair |
| Respirator Mask | 1 |
| Safety Goggles | 1 |
| Ceramic Crucible | 2 (One for Gold, One for Slag) |
| Butane Torch | 1 |
| Acetone | 1 Qt |
| Electronic Components | As Needed |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wear safety gear and consult the SDSs for any chemicals used. |
| 2 | Cut the circuit board into smaller pieces using scissors or a cutting tool. |
| 3 | Remove all wires and any other components that do not contain gold. |
| 4 | Separate the different types of gold-bearing components, such as chips, connectors, and resistors. |
| 5 | Use pliers and wire strippers to remove the gold-plated pins and wires. |
| 6 | Weigh the gold-bearing components to determine the approximate amount of gold present. |
Note: The type and amount of gold-bearing components may vary depending on the specific electronics you are working with. It’s essential to research and identify the gold-containing parts accurately.
Melting the Components
Once you have dismantled the electronic devices and extracted the gold-bearing components, it’s time to melt them down. This process separates the gold from the other metals and impurities.
To melt the components, you will need a crucible, a furnace, and a heat source. The crucible is a small, heat-resistant container that will hold the components while they are being melted. The furnace is a device that generates high temperatures, and the heat source can be a torch, a propane burner, or an electric furnace.
Before melting the components, it is important to clean them thoroughly. This will remove any dirt, grease, or other contaminants that could interfere with the melting process. To clean the components, you can use a mild detergent and water, or you can use a commercial jewelry cleaner.
Once the components are clean, you can place them in the crucible. Make sure that the components are packed tightly together, but not so tightly that they cannot move around. If the components are not packed tightly enough, they could melt unevenly and create impurities. If the components are packed too tightly, they could crack or break the crucible.
Melting the Components in Detail
To melt the components, place the crucible in the furnace and heat it slowly. The temperature should be increased gradually until the components begin to melt. Once the components are melted, you can use a stirrer to stir them gently. This will help to ensure that the gold is evenly distributed throughout the molten metal.
Once the gold is evenly distributed, you can remove the crucible from the furnace and pour the molten metal into a mold. The mold should be made of a heat-resistant material, such as graphite or ceramic. Once the molten metal has cooled and solidified, you can break it out of the mold and collect the gold.
The process of melting the components can be dangerous, so it is important to take safety precautions. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, safety glasses, and a respirator. Make sure that the furnace is properly ventilated, and do not overheat the components.
| Safety Precautions |
|---|
| Wear protective clothing |
| Use a well-ventilated furnace |
| Do not overheat the components |
Using a Flux to Remove Impurities
A flux is a chemical substance that is used to remove impurities from the surface of metals. In the process of extracting gold from electronics, a flux is used to remove the oxides and other impurities that may be present on the surface of the gold. This helps to ensure that the gold can be easily melted and refined.
There are a variety of different fluxes that can be used for this purpose. Some of the most common fluxes include:
- Borax
- Potassium cyanide
- Sodium carbonate
The type of flux that you use will depend on the specific type of electronics that you are working with. It is important to consult with a qualified expert before using any type of flux, as some fluxes can be harmful if they are not used properly.
To use a flux, you will need to apply it to the surface of the gold that you are working with. You can do this using a brush, a cotton swab, or a piece of cloth. Once the flux has been applied, you will need to heat the gold using a torch or a heat gun. This will cause the flux to melt and flow over the surface of the gold, removing the impurities.
Choosing the Right Flux
The best flux for you depends on what you’re extracting gold from. Experiment to see what works best on different electronics and metals. Choose the most effective, yet safest option for each one. The table below shows the different types of fluxes and their uses.
| Flux | Use |
|---|---|
| Borax | General purpose flux for most metals |
| Potassium cyanide | Strong flux for removing oxides from gold and silver |
| Sodium carbonate | Mild flux for cleaning and protecting gold and silver |
Pouring the Molten Metal
Once the molten metal has reached the desired temperature, it’s time to pour it into a mold. The mold should be made of a heat-resistant material, such as graphite or ceramic. It should also be lined with a flux to prevent the metal from sticking to the mold.
To pour the molten metal, carefully lift the crucible out of the furnace and pour it into the mold in a steady stream. Avoid splashing the metal, as this could cause it to cool too quickly and become brittle.
Additional Details on Pouring the Molten Metal:
- Use a crucible with a spout. This will help you control the flow of the molten metal and prevent spills.
- Pour the metal slowly and steadily. Pouring too quickly can cause the metal to splash, while pouring too slowly can cause it to cool too quickly and become brittle.
- Keep the mold warm. A warm mold will help prevent the metal from cooling too quickly and becoming brittle.
- Use a flux to prevent the metal from sticking to the mold. Flux can be purchased at most hardware stores.
- Be careful not to splash the molten metal. Molten metal can cause severe burns, so it’s important to wear protective clothing and eyewear.
Separating the Copper and Gold
Once you’ve collected your electronic waste, the next step is to separate the copper and gold. This can be done by a variety of methods, but one of the most common is to use fire. The process of extracting gold from electronics with fire is relatively simple, but it does require some patience and care.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to separating the copper and gold using fire:
- Gather your materials. You will need a heat source, such as a blowtorch or a kiln, a pair of pliers, a hammer, and a piece of wood
- Prepare your electronic waste. Remove any plastic or other non-metallic components from the electronic waste. You can do this by hand or by using a wire stripper.
- Place the electronic waste on the piece of wood. Make sure that the waste is spread out evenly and that there is plenty of space between the pieces.
- Heat the electronic waste with the heat source. Start by heating the waste slowly and gradually increase the heat until the waste begins to melt.
- Once the waste has melted, use the pliers to remove the copper from the gold. The copper will be the dark-colored metal that is floating on the surface of the molten waste. The gold will be the lighter-colored metal that is suspended in the molten waste.
- Once you have removed all of the copper, use the hammer to break up the gold into smaller pieces. The gold pieces can then be melted down into a solid form.
Here is a table summarizing the steps for separating copper and gold using fire:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Gather your materials. |
| 2 | Prepare your electronic waste. |
| 3 | Place the electronic waste on the piece of wood. |
| 4 | Heat the electronic waste with the heat source. |
| 5 | Remove the copper from the gold. |
| 6 | Break up the gold into smaller pieces and melt it down. |
Removing the Flux
The flux used in soldering can interfere with the extraction process, so it’s important to remove it before proceeding. To do this, dip the electronic component in a solution of 50% hydrochloric acid and 50% water.
Heat the solution to approximately 150°F (65°C) for 15-20 minutes. This will dissolve the flux and expose the gold-bearing materials.
After the flux has been removed, rinse the electronic component thoroughly with water to remove any remaining acid.
The following table provides a summary of the steps involved in removing the flux:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare a solution of 50% hydrochloric acid and 50% water. |
| 2 | Heat the solution to approximately 150°F (65°C). |
| 3 | Dip the electronic component in the solution for 15-20 minutes. |
| 4 | Rinse the electronic component thoroughly with water. |
Once the flux has been removed, you can proceed to the next step of the gold extraction process.
Refining the Gold
As previously mentioned, the crude gold extracted through burning electronics contains various impurities. To refine it, further steps must be taken:
1. Melting the Crude Gold
Place the gold in a crucible and heat it using a blowtorch or smelting furnace until it melts.
2. Adding Flux
Sprinkle a flux, such as borax or sodium carbonate, over the molten gold. This helps remove impurities by forming a glassy layer on top of the metal.
3. Skimming the Flux
Use a ceramic spoon or a flux skimmer to remove the glassy layer from the surface of the gold.
4. Pouring the Gold
Pour the molten gold into a mold of your desired shape and allow it to cool and solidify.
5. Rolling the Gold
If necessary, roll the gold into a thin sheet using a rolling mill to reduce its thickness.
6. Annealing the Gold
Heat the gold in an oven to soften it and make it more pliable. This process is known as annealing.
7. Pickling the Gold
Immerse the gold in a solution of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid to dissolve any remaining impurities. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
8. Burnout and Final Clean-Up
Heat the gold again in a crucible or kiln to burn off any remaining flux or contaminants. This process leaves you with pure, refined gold.
| Density | 19.3 g/cm³ |
|---|---|
| Melting point | 1,064.43 °C |
| Boiling point | 2,970 °C |
Cleaning and Polishing the Gold
Once you have extracted the gold, it is important to clean and polish it to remove any impurities. Here are some steps to follow:
- Rinse the gold with water: Use clean water to rinse the gold and remove any dirt or debris.
- Boil the gold in hydrochloric acid: This will help to dissolve any remaining impurities and brighten the gold.
- Rinse the gold again: Rinse the gold once more with clean water to remove any remaining acid.
- Dry the gold: Use a clean cloth to dry the gold completely.
- Polish the gold: Use a polishing cloth or a polishing machine to polish the gold and bring out its shine.
To further enhance the shine and purity of the gold, you can consider using a gold refiner. This involves:
- Combining the gold with a flux: This helps to remove impurities and improve the flow of the gold.
- Melting the gold: The gold is melted in a furnace to remove any remaining impurities.
- Casting the gold: The molten gold is poured into a mold to create a desired shape.
- Quenching the gold: The gold is rapidly cooled to increase its strength and hardness.
- Annealing the gold: The gold is heated to a specific temperature and then slowly cooled to relieve any internal stresses.
By following these steps, you can successfully clean and polish the extracted gold and obtain a pure and lustrous end product.
Storing and Handling the Gold
Once you have successfully extracted the gold from the electronics, it is important to store and handle it properly to preserve its value and prevent contamination.
10. Storage Precautions
| Storage Recommendations | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Store in a cool, dry place. | Storing in humid or moist environments. |
| Use airtight containers to prevent oxidation. | Leaving gold exposed to the air. |
| Consider using silica gel packets to absorb moisture. | Using containers that can react with gold, such as zinc or aluminum. |
How To Extract Gold From Electronics With Fire
Extracting gold from electronics with fire is a dangerous and inefficient method that is not recommended. Burning electronics can release toxic fumes, and the heat can damage the gold, making it difficult to recover.
If you are interested in extracting gold from electronics, there are safer and more effective methods available. One option is to use a chemical process called electrolysis. This method involves dissolving the electronics in a chemical solution and then using an electric current to extract the gold.
Another option is to use a physical process called gravity separation. This method involves crushing the electronics and then separating the gold from the other materials using a gravity table.
People Also Ask
How much gold can I extract from electronics?
The amount of gold that you can extract from electronics will vary depending on the type of electronics and the method that you use. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to extract around 1 gram of gold per 1000 pounds of electronics.
Is it worth it to extract gold from electronics?
Whether or not it is worth it to extract gold from electronics depends on a number of factors, including the price of gold, the cost of the extraction process, and the amount of gold that you can extract. In general, it is not worth it to extract gold from electronics unless you have a large quantity of electronics and you can extract the gold efficiently.
What are the dangers of extracting gold from electronics with fire?
Extracting gold from electronics with fire is a dangerous process that can release toxic fumes and damage the gold. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself from the fumes and to avoid overheating the gold.
