A TECHNICAL METHOD OF EXTRACTION OF GOLD FROM E-WASTE: A MULTI-SENSOR BASED METHOD USING MICROCONTROLLER

Rohini N. Hongal, Roopa G. Sunagad, Shruti A. Gombi, Rohankumar Patil, K.Bhat

Abstract: The disposal of e-wastes into the environment is hazardous as they contain chemicals. The conventional methods of disposing these ewastes are irrelevant and have adverse effect on the environmental conditions which is a threat to life. The objective of this paper is to describe the recycling of e-wastes and extraction of valuable metals like gold and silver from it. The aquaregia solution based method of extraction is the oldest and conventional method. The steps and procedures that are followed and practiced are to be done manually which seems to be quite risky as it is a chemical process. But the aquaregia solution method of extraction can be easily automated for precise and faster extraction. The intension of our paper is to propose an idea of an automation system for the recovery of gold from E-waste. This system for gold recovery is solely controlled by the microcontroller. There is use of several types of sensors, which are in turn act as input providers to the microcontroller, in order to control the whole process. There is great advantage if it is implemented practically. It can create a sort of industrial solution as e-waste is global problem. A new trend in the recycling industry will be created which will be a revolutionary step. The only thing is that the initial investment will be quite more. But once implemented it can be used for long terms and for cost effectiveness.

Keywords: E- waste, Aquaregia, microcontroller, signal conditioning, solenoid valve, end point

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2014.0319018