Jinquan-Automated PGM Refining Plant Case

Jinquan-Automated PGM Refining Plant Case Study

      Building an automated PGM refining plant requires extensive
experience in precious metal smelting and the integration of
professional automation design teams. Over years of project
experience, Jinquan has studied several technical patents,
identifying optimization points in each step of the PGM refining
process. These improvements have not only increased refining
efficiency but also reduced the refining time cycle. Additionally,
the plant’s automation has been continuously optimized,
significantly reducing the need for manual labor. As a result,
Jinquan has successfully completed the design of several
automated PGM refining plants.

Rhodium Refining Process

     In rhodium refining, the preparation of high-purity chlororhodic
acid or its salt compounds is the key step. The main methods used
include sodium sulfite coordination, ammonia coordination, ammonium
sulfite coordination, extraction, and ion exchange. In some cases, a
combination of methods is necessary.

    Ammonium Sulfite and Ammonia Coordination Method: First, prepare
a sodium chlororhodate solution containing approximately 50g/L of Rh.
Adjust the pH to 1-1.5 using a dilute alkali solution. Then, add a 25% sulfite
solution at a volume ratio of 1:0.75. Boil the solution and control the pH
at 6.4. This process results in the precipitation of a milky white ammonium
trisulfite complex.

    Iridium does not form a similar precipitate and remains in the solution.
The filtered rhodium compound precipitate is washed with pure water.
Afterward, add concentrated hydrochloric acid, boil, and dissolve the
precipitate, converting it into ammonium chlororhodate.

1.    Na₃RhCl₆+3(NH₄)₃SO₃=(NH₄)₃Rh(SO₃)₃↓ +3NH₄Cl +3NaCI
2.    (NH₄)3Rh(SO₃)₃+6HCl=(NH₄)3RhCl₆↓+3SO₂ +3H₂O
3.    (NH₄)₃RhCl₆+5NH₃·H₂O=[Rh(NH₃)₅CI]Cl₂↓ +3NH₄Cl +5H₂O

    Jinquan-Automated PGM Refining Plant Case

Jinquan China