Titration of Cyanide Solutions

Titration of Cyanide Solutions Containing Dissolved Zinc: Sodium zinc cyanide reacts with silver nitrate to precipitate zinc cyanide: Na2Zn(CN)4 + AgNO3 = Zn(CN)2 + NaAg(CN)2 + NaNO3 In the presence of an alkali, considerably more silver nitrate must be added to sodium zinc cyanide before a precipitate is formed. Many investigators have claimed that this … Read more

Zinc Cyanide & Silver Gold Precipitation

In cyanidation, zinc (the Merrill-Crowe Process) is practically the universal precipitant for precious metals dissolved in cyanide solutions although for specific reasons aluminium and charcoal have been used. During the reactions involved in precipitation, the greater part of the zinc dissolves in the cyanide solution and forms various cyanogen complexes such as sodium or calcium … Read more

Effect of Temperature on Cyanidation and Gold Leaching Kinetic Rates

When heat is applied to a cyanide solution containing metallic gold, two opposing factors affect the rate of dissolution. The increase in temperature would be expected to increase the activity of the solution and thus increase the rate of dissolution of gold. At the same time the amount of oxygen in the solution would decrease … Read more

Effect of pH Alkalinity on Gold Leaching

The role pH has in affecting gold leaching rates by cyanide and the functions of calcium hydroxide in cyanidation are as follow: 1.  For safety and to prevent loss of cyanide by hydrolysis. 2. To prevent loss of cyanide by the action of carbon dioxide in the air. 3. To decompose bicarbonates in mill water … Read more

Effect of Oxygen on the Dissolution of Gold

In discussing the effect of oxygen on the gold dissolution, one can understand the use of oxygen or an oxidizing agent is essential for the dissolution of gold under normal conditions of cyanidation. Such oxidizing agents as sodium peroxide, potassium permanganate, bromine, chlorine have been used with more or less success in the past; but … Read more

Effect of Gold Particle Size on Rate of Dissolution

When coarse free gold occurs in ores, the usual practice is to remove it by means of gold traps, jigs, blankets, etc. ahead of cyanidation. Otherwise, these coarse particles might not be completely dissolved in the time available for cyanidation. Another practice which reduces the size of the gold particles going to cyanidation is the … Read more

Gold & Silver Dissolution and Cyanide Concentration

By far the most important cyanides used in cyanidation are sodium cyanide and calcium cyanide. The latter product is sold in an impure form analyzing close to 50% NaCN equivalent. The former is sold in various grades from 85 to 98% NaCN. In comparing the dissolving effects of the cyanides of ammonium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, … Read more

Antique hydrometer and Humidi Guide

  HYDROMETER, Baume Scale—For heavy liquids, without thermometer. Range: 0 to 70° in 1° divisions. Temperature standard, 60° F. Approximately length, 11 inches. HYDROMETER, Baume Scale—For heavy liquids, without thermometer. Range: 0 to 70° in 1° divisions. Temperature standard, 60° F. Approximately length, 16 inches. HYDROMETER, Specific Gravity Scale—For heavy liquids, without thermometer. HUMIDIGUIDE, Hampton, Taylor—A direct … Read more

Cyanide Leaching Chemistry & Gold Cyanidation

The reactions that take place during the dissolution of gold in cyanide solutions under normal conditions have been fairly definitely established. Most agree that the overall cyanide equation for leaching and cyanidation of gold is as follows: 4 Au + 8 NaCN + O2 + 2 H20 = 4 NaAu(CN)2 + 4 NaOH   In a … Read more

How to Select a Rainwater Catch Basin

You need to know how much water will be draining to your catch basin in order to select the right catch basin for your project. Catch basins are an effective way to collect surface water that is draining to one specific area like a low spot in the yard or below a rain gutter downspout. … Read more