Re: How to use steel wool silver sequestration method

dan.c.quinn@xxxxxxx spake thus:

RE: David Nebenzahl wrote:

dan.c.quinn@xxxxxxx spake thus:f> >

Precipitation may be a solution; an "easy way". The sulfide of
silver is even less soluble than the iodide. An excess of sodium
sulfide will strip the thiosulfate of it's silver and silver sulfide
will
settle to the bottom. I've only done it on a test tube basis.
The fixer could be used again were it not for it being loaded
with chloride, bromide, and iodide. Sodium sulfide likely sells
for a very low price. Dan

But even if you can do this, how would you dispose of the sludge?

If only silver sulfide, Ag2S, precipitates then I'd save the
sludge. We're only talking about a few grams. Ag2S is better
than 85% silver.
Carefull though that the fix is not acid. Stabbing in the dark,
I'd think a full teaspoon or two or three of sulfide per gallon of
fix would do. So, two bits for the chemistry?
I don't use the technique because my fixers are very dilute.
I put my trust in "dilution is the solution". I suppose I could
though. Another method is to use H2O2. That's a twist on
the oxidize the fix method. I'd think a bunch of sulfur
would then be mixed in with the silver sulfide.
Balancing all the equations would take Some doing. I don't
see any complictions with the addition of sulfide. A pure and
simple precipitation of silver sulfide should take place leaving
the bulk of the solution intact. Dan

All this gyration, and you didn't answer the damn question: What would you do with this stuff? You say that you'd "save the sludge". So does that mean that after you die, someone's going to have to dispose of those 87 jars of crud stored in your garage?

How do you propose to get rid of this stuff?

I like Richard's answer better, by the way; sounds like it may have some practical application in the real world.


--
In order to embark on a new course, the only one that will
solve the problem: negotiations and peace with the Palestinians,
the Lebanese, the Syrians. And: with Hamas and Hizbullah.

Because it's only with enemies that one makes peace.

- Uri Avnery, Israeli writer and peace activist with Gush Shalom.
(http://counterpunch.org/avnery08032006.html)
.

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