Unlocking the Value: How to Recover Gold from Flex Ribbon Cable EDGE Gold Fingers with Aqua Regia

 

Flex ribbon cables are commonly used in electronic devices such as DVD drives, ROMs, writers, computer and cellphone displays. These cables have gold fingers at their ends, which are used to make electrical connections. Gold is a highly valuable metal and can be recovered from these gold fingers through a process called the aqua regia method.

Aqua regia is a mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid that is used to dissolve gold and other noble metals. The process of recovering gold from gold fingers involves several steps that need to be followed carefully. Here’s how you can recover gold from flex ribbon cable EDGE gold fingers:

Step 1: Gather the necessary materials

To recover gold from gold fingers, you will need the following materials:

• Aqua regia
• Glass beakers
• Plastic containers
• Filter paper
• Funnel
• Heat source
• Safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a respirator

Step 2: Disassemble the flex ribbon cable

To access the gold fingers, you need to disassemble the flex ribbon cable. This can be done by carefully cutting the cable near the gold fingers using a sharp blade or scissors. Make sure you don't damage the gold fingers while doing this.

Step 3: Clean the gold fingers

Before starting the aqua regia process, you need to clean the gold fingers to remove any dirt or debris. You can use a cotton swab or a soft cloth dipped in alcohol to clean the gold fingers.

Step 4: Prepare the aqua regia solution

The aqua regia solution is prepared by mixing one part nitric acid and three parts hydrochloric acid. Make sure you mix the acids in a glass beaker and use a plastic container to hold the solution.

Step 5: Dissolve the gold fingers

Place the gold fingers in the aqua regia solution and heat it up using a heat source. The solution will dissolve the gold in the gold fingers and turn them into a liquid form. This process can take several hours, so be patient.

Step 6: Filter the solution

Once the gold is dissolved, you need to filter the solution to remove any impurities. Use a funnel and filter paper to filter the solution into a clean glass beaker.

Step 7: Precipitate the gold

To precipitate the gold, you need to add a chemical such as sodium metabisulfite or oxalic acid to the solution. This will cause the gold to precipitate out of the solution and form a solid. Filter the solution again to remove any remaining impurities.

Step 8: Collect the gold

The final step is to collect the gold. Rinse the gold with water to remove any remaining chemicals and dry it using a soft cloth or paper towel. The gold can be melted down and sold or used for other purposes.

In conclusion, recovering gold from flex ribbon cable EDGE gold fingers is a profitable way to extract gold. It requires patience, careful handling, and the use of proper safety equipment. By following these steps, you can recover gold from gold fingers and benefit from its value.