Anyone have experience with recovering silver from fix?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on recovering silver from photographic fix using an electrolytic cell. Participants emphasize the importance of evaluating the economics of the project, noting that with silver prices around $20 per ounce, profitability may be limited. Access to campus resources, such as a machine shop, can significantly reduce costs, making the project more feasible. Additionally, a link to a Kodak document is shared as a valuable resource for understanding the recovery process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrolytic cell design and operation
  • Knowledge of silver recovery processes from photographic chemicals
  • Familiarity with the economics of precious metal recovery
  • Basic skills in using machine shop tools for building equipment
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the construction and operation of electrolytic cells for silver recovery
  • Study the economic feasibility of recovering silver from photographic fix
  • Explore safety protocols for working with electrolytic cells
  • Review the Kodak document on silver recovery techniques
USEFUL FOR

Photographic lab technicians, hobbyists interested in metal recovery, and anyone exploring the economics of recycling silver from photographic processes.

mesa
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We go through an inordinate amount of fix in our photo labs (20+ gallons/week) and are interested in trying to recover the silver. An electrolytic cell seems like the way to go. Anyone have suggestions, tips, or advice in general?
 
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Work out the economics before you start. With the silver price around $20 an ounce, you probably won't make much money from this.

Remember that much of the value in objects made from silver (jewellery, antiques, etc) is in the workmanship and/or the scarcity of the object, not the value of the metal
 
AlephZero said:
Work out the economics before you start. With the silver price around $20 an ounce, you probably won't make much money from this.

Remember that much of the value in objects made from silver (jewellery, antiques, etc) is in the workmanship and/or the scarcity of the object, not the value of the metal

With access to campus resources (machine shop) building something will have a cost near zero (also it should prove to be a fun project as well!).
 
mesa said:
With access to campus resources (machine shop) building something will have a cost near zero (also it should prove to be a fun project as well!).

So you don't put any value on your own time? :biggrin:

This might be worth reading. www.kodak.co.uk/ek/uploadedFiles/J215ENG.pdf
 
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AlephZero said:
So you don't put any value on your own time? :biggrin:

The school pays me minimum wage so I am worth at least $7.85/hr :approve:

AlephZero said:
This might be worth reading. www.kodak.co.uk/ek/uploadedFiles/J215ENG.pdf

That is a good link, very complete!

So do you have any experience building electrolytic cells? The last one I built (many, many years ago) worked great until it blew up :biggrin:
 
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