490 Mining and Health
Howbctnobxmncabke a galvanized pipe retort
This retort is made from standard pipes and
plumbing connections. Wear gloves, glasses,
and a mask when using it.
➊ Form gold amalgam into little balls.
Always wear gloves (or plastic bags) on your
hands while doing this. Put the little balls
into the pipe cap.
➋ Screw the retort together tightly so that
no mercury escapes.
➌ Put the body of the retort into a bed of
hot coals, with the bent pipe in a glass or
bowl of cool water. This retort works best
if it is heated evenly.
First put
amalgam balls
into the
pipe cap. . .
. . . then screw
the retort pipe
onto the metal
pipe cap.
glass or bowl of cool water
➍ The mercury will escape through the pipe into water. The water
will prevent mercury fumes from releasing into the air, and will cool
down the mercury so it becomes liquid again.
➎ When no more mercury is collecting in the water, all the gold has
been extracted and all the mercury has been recovered. Tap the
pipe to make sure all the mercury falls into the water.
➏ Let the retort cool, and then open it. Pure gold is left behind in the
pipe cap.
One problem with this retort is mercury may stick to the inside the first several
times it is used. Be patient, and do not touch the mercury. Over time, all the
mercury will come out.
Another problem is the gold may stick in the bottom of the retort. To avoid this
problem, unscrew the bottom piece before using the retort and hold it upside
down over a lit candle until it is coated black. The grease from the candle will
prevent gold from sticking.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012