Germanium Recovery and Its Unique Mixing Challenges
Most new production today of germanium today is from zinc ores or coal fly ash. Both processes involve acid leaching, an already difficult process further complicated by the unique challenges posed by germanium, notably its hardness. Dynamix designs mixers that deliver longevity and reliability in germanium recovery. The Germanium Recovery Process Germanium is typically found in very low concentrations and requires significant refining. Sources of recoverable germanium include zinc, silver, lead, and copper ores, along with fly ash from the combustion or gasification of coal. The refining process begins with acid leaching using sulfuric, phosphoric, or other acids. This dissolves the germanium into the leachate, separating it from the remaining solids. However, some impurities are dissolved as well and must