How to Safely Extract Gold from Computer Scrap: A Comprehensive Guide
Extraction of gold from computer scrap entails a complex and potentially dangerous process. While the rewards can be significant, the effort and risk involved often outweigh the benefits for small-scale operations. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the necessary steps and safety measures required for extracting gold from computer parts, emphasizing the importance of environmental and personal safety.
Why Extract Gold from Computer Scrap?
The process of extracting gold from computer scrap is intricate and involves handling hazardous materials. Unless you plan to extract large quantities of gold, the expense and effort required make it an unviable option. Additionally, the waste from this process is classified as hazardous, necessitating proper disposal methods that you must manage for your entire lifetime. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closely regulates this process, making it an EPA regulatory nightmare.
The Simple Method: Removing Gold-Painted Components
The easiest method involves removing gold-plated components such as memory cards and board fingers with gold-plated pins. Here are the steps to follow:
Tips for Removing Gold-Painted Components
Use tin snips to cut off the fingers close to the gold on the board, ensuring a clean cut. For plugs and sockets, pry them apart and cut off at the board level with a sharp scraper blade.
Target any part that looks gold, and remove all plastic from plugs and sockets, cutting the pins only.
The Deplating Process: Using Acid
After collecting gold fingers and pins, you need to deplate them. This step is crucial and comes with significant health risks. Here are the acid deplating options:
Option 1: 50% Nitric Acid 50% Water
Place the components in a glass beaker or jar filled with the acid solution. After a few hours, the gold will separate from the base metals. Pour the contents through a plastic strainer to catch leftover plastics. Use a spray bottle with water to wash the gold flakes through. Allow the gold flakes to settle to the bottom, and carefully tip out the solution through a paper filter. Rinse the paper filter with fresh water to remove any remaining acid, then dry it and melt the gold along with the paper filter included.
Option 2: Hydrochloric Acid and Urea/Kalium Nitrate
If you can't find nitric acid, use a 50% hydrochloric acid solution with 50% water. Add 10% urea or potassium nitrate. Remember, acids can burn skin and produce toxic fumes that can be lethal.
Health and Safety Considerations
Given the dangers involved, it's crucial to take all necessary precautions. Always wear protective gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and a filtered mask. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling harmful fumes.
Alternatives to DIY Extraction
Due to the risks and expenses involved, it is often more practical to use professional services. The monetary reward for extracting gold from a desktop PC is typically between $9–12. Factoring in the cost of purchasing equipment for gold extraction, it is likely to cost more than the reward. To make a profit, you would need to extract gold from thousands of computers. Many companies offer services for extracting gold from computer scrap, but the cost of shipping would typically outweigh the benefits unless you have a large quantity of computers to send.
Professional companies can provide a safer and more cost-effective solution. They have the necessary facilities and expertise to handle the process safely and efficiently. If you decide to use a professional service, they will drive a truck to your location to collect the computers and perform the extraction, reducing the risk and cost associated with DIY methods.
In conclusion, while extracting gold from computer scrap is possible, it comes with significant risks and financial drawbacks. It is highly recommended to seek professional services to ensure both your health and the environment are protected.