Refining Department–smelting (mixing, Lifting, Pouring, Eloctrolytical)

May 22, 2009 - PRLog -- MIXING:
Mixing…after the materials are fully “cooked” or made to flow like “soup”, we insert a graphite rod (pre-heated) and mix the molten materials. This will assure us a omogeneous melt, for that perfect extraction of the sample necessary for assay.

LIFTING:
Lifting…is the most difficult part of the operation. The crucible is at its weakest condition and special care must be taken. The weight is multiplied several times due to the distance of the crucible to the operator’s arms. Crucibles are handmade of clay and graphite.

POURING:
Hand Pouring…is an old speciality craft, still in use at Ross Metals. Special fluxes are in use to aid in the smelting process. The precious metal is poured into a graphite mold. After a few minutes, the material cools and then solidifies. The bar is removed from the mold by simply turning the non-stick graphite mold over and letting gravity do its job.

ELOCTROLYTICAL:
Electrolytical…These four smelters once in “Full Steam” can smelt precious metals
scrap in scant minutes. The large one can handle 20,000 DWT, while the smaller ones
are used for the various size lots that are submitted, as well as platinum. The adjacent
generator can power a high-rise building. Speed and efficiency are what these smelters
are all about. Special Fluxes are always in use to aid in the smelting process.