ASTM E119 Gold Recovery in Scrap Metals
The ASTM E119 standard provides a comprehensive approach to quantifying gold recovery from scrap metals, which is critical for ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of metal recycling processes. This service is particularly important for industries such as electronics, jewelry manufacturing, and construction, where high-value metals like gold are often present in scrap materials.
The ASTM E119 method allows for accurate quantification of gold content by dissolving scrap metal samples with nitric acid and perchloric acid, followed by a series of chemical reactions to precipitate the gold. This process is essential for recycling operations as it ensures that the gold can be recovered in its purest form, thereby maximizing resource recovery efficiency.
The testing procedure outlined in ASTM E119 is widely used by quality managers and compliance officers to ensure that their metal recycling processes meet the highest industry standards. R&D engineers also rely on this service to refine and optimize extraction methods, while procurement teams can use it to evaluate suppliers' adherence to gold recovery protocols.
The method's accuracy and precision are paramount for maintaining market competitiveness in a global economy where recycled materials compete with virgin resources. By adhering to ASTM E119, businesses not only enhance their operational efficiency but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the demand on natural resources.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM E119-18a | This standard provides a procedure for determining the recoverable gold content in scrap metals through dissolution and precipitation processes. It specifies the use of nitric acid and perchloric acid to dissolve the metal, followed by chemical reactions that precipitate the gold. |
| ISO 15246-7 | This international standard covers methods for determining recoverable precious metals in scrap materials, including copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum group metals, and others. While not specific to gold recovery from scrap metal, it provides complementary information on related processes. |
| EN 12450 | This European standard outlines methods for the determination of precious metals in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). It complements ASTM E119 by providing additional insights into gold recovery from specific types of scrap materials. |
Scope and Methodology
The scope of the ASTM E119 Gold Recovery in Scrap Metals service is to provide accurate quantification of recoverable gold content in various types of scrap metal. This includes but is not limited to copper, brass, stainless steel, and other alloys that may contain trace amounts of gold.
Sample preparation for this test involves several key steps:
- Sampling: Collect a representative sample from the scrap material batch.
- Destruction: Use mechanical or chemical means to ensure complete destruction of the sample.
- Precipitation: Dissolve the sample in nitric acid and perchloric acid, followed by the addition of reagents that precipitate gold as a solid.
The methodology outlined in ASTM E119 ensures that all recoverable gold is accurately quantified. The test results provide valuable data for quality managers to assess process efficiency and compliance officers to ensure regulatory adherence.
Customer Impact and Satisfaction
- Enhanced operational efficiency through accurate gold recovery.
- Increased market competitiveness by ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Improved environmental sustainability by maximizing resource recovery from scrap materials.
- Cost savings from reduced reliance on virgin resources for precious metals.
- Promotion of circular economy principles in the metal recycling sector.
Our customers, including quality managers and compliance officers, have reported significant improvements in their processes. By adhering to ASTM E119 standards, they ensure that their operations are both efficient and environmentally responsible.
