999 Fine Silver Cell Harvest and Reboot

Summary

In this video, the creator demonstrates the silver cell operation process, detailing the 13-day journey of extracting high-purity silver crystals from an anode bowl. They explain the role of the anode filter basket in trapping impurities, leaving behind 'silver cell slimes' rich in Platinum Group Metals and gold. The video showcases the setup, including a safety fuse to prevent short-circuiting, and the process of harvesting silver. It also covers the preparation of additional electrolyte by dissolving pure silver crystals and nitric acid, and the steps to ensure the purity of the harvested silver, including multiple rinses and a test for residual electrolyte.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The video documents day 13 of a silver cell operation, resulting in approximately 1.5 kilos of high-purity silver.
• 🔍 An anode filter basket is used to separate impurities, leaving behind 'silver cell slimes' which can be recovered for Platinum Group Metals and gold.
• 🔌 A fuse is installed to prevent short-circuiting if the growing silver crystal contacts the anode basket.
• 📉 The current flow through the cell decreases as impurities accumulate in the anode filter.
• 🔋 The process involves dissolving impure silver from gold refining into granules, which are then used as feedstock in the silver cell.
• ⚙️ An electrode bar, made of pure silver with a copper wire, is connected to the power supply to dissolve the silver and allow silver ions to travel through the electrolyte.
• 💧 The electrolyte, initially containing 600 grams of pure silver dissolved in nitric acid, becomes depleted as the cell operates.
• 🔄 The electrolyte is reused for a second refining process after additional pure silver is added to replenish the depleted silver ions.
• 💦 The harvested silver crystals are thoroughly rinsed with distilled water to remove any remaining electrolyte.
• 🔬 A test with hydrochloric acid confirms that all electrolyte has been rinsed off the silver, as no silver chloride forms.
• 📈 The video concludes with the setup for a second run of the silver cell operation, demonstrating the process of reusing the electrolyte and starting a new batch.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the silver cell operation described in the script?

The purpose of the silver cell operation is to refine and harvest high purity silver from impure silver sources, such as that obtained from gold refining.

How long does it take to grow approximately 1.5 kilos of pure silver crystal?

It takes about 13 days to grow approximately 1.5 kilos of pure silver crystal in the described process.

What is the role of the anode filter basket in the silver cell operation?

The anode filter basket holds a Dacron cloth filter that catches impurities as the electric current dissolves the silver. These impurities, known as silver cell slimes, can be later recovered for precious metals like platinum group metals and gold.

Why is a fuse installed in the silver cell operation?

A fuse is installed to prevent a short circuit if the growing silver crystal inside the cell makes contact with the anode basket. This would otherwise release impurities into the cell and ruin the batch of silver.

How does the current flow affect the silver cell operation?

The current flow dissolves the impure silver, allowing silver ions to travel through the anode filter into the electrolyte, where they plate out as pure elemental silver. As the slimes build up, they interfere with the current flow, causing it to drop.

What is the composition of the electrolyte used in the silver cell operation?

The electrolyte is composed of silver nitrate dissolved in distilled water, which acts as a conductive medium for the silver ions to plate out as pure silver.

Why does the solution turn blue during the silver cell operation?

The solution turns blue because copper from the electrode bar dissolves into the electrolyte, indicating that the silver and copper ions are being transferred through the anode filter into the electrolyte.

How is the purity of the harvested silver ensured?

The purity of the harvested silver is ensured by the use of a Dacron filter that traps impurities, allowing only pure silver ions to plate out in the cathode. Additionally, the electrolyte is rinsed off the silver multiple times to remove any residual silver nitrate.

What is the significance of the copper concentration in the cell?

The copper concentration must be kept below 60 grams per liter to prevent it from plating out with the silver. If the concentration is too high, it can contaminate the silver harvest.

How is the electrolyte prepared for a second use in the silver cell operation?

For a second use, additional pure silver is dissolved in nitric acid and distilled water to create a new solution, which is then added to the existing electrolyte to augment it for another refining cycle.

What is the final step to ensure the purity of the silver after harvesting?

The final step to ensure the purity of the silver is to rinse it multiple times with distilled water, both cold and boiling, and then test a small sample with hydrochloric acid to check for any remaining silver nitrate, indicated by the absence of silver chloride formation.