Efficiency of Silver Recovery from Air Force Photographic Operations
Abstract:
In order to ascertain the efficiency of the silver recovery techniques presently employed at United States Air Force photographic processing facilities, a field sampling program was undertaken to obtain actual performance data. Since silver recovery by metallic replacement utilizing cartridges was found to be the most frequently applied method of recovery, emphasis was placed on this recovery technique. An electrolytic recovery tailing operation was also sampled to determine the efficiency of recovery utilizing this technique. Results of this study are reported in terms of cartridge performance with time, Volume of fix processed, and average silver loading. Data reflect actual in-the-field efficiencies and indicate that effective silver recovery techniques are available for Air Force application.