Gold smelting equipment

The alchemy of transforming gold-bearing raw materials into pure, shining metal lies in one factor: advanced gold smelting equipment. Far more than simple smelting, modern smelting technology combines chemistry, thermodynamics, and precision engineering to efficiently and safely extract, purify, and shape gold. Whether you are refining ore, recycling electronics, or producing investment-grade gold bars, the right equipment can make the difference between bottom line and bottom line.  

Gold smelting equipment

Why smelting ≠ melting: Understanding the core process While melting changes the physical state of gold, smelting is a chemical reduction process:

1. Raw material preparation: Crushing/grinding ore, e-waste, or scrap to increase surface area. 2. Flux integration: Adding borax, soda ash, or silica to melt impurities into slag. 3. High temperature reaction: Heating the mixture above the melting point of gold (1064°C) in an oxidizing/reducing atmosphere. 4. Slag separation: Molten impurities float to the surface, leaving behind the denser gold. 5. Pouring and refining: Collecting gold alloy (doré) for further electrolytic/chemical purification.

Essential smelting equipment: Complete system breakdown

1. Primary smelting furnace

Induction furnace (preferred for purity):

Method: Electromagnetic field induces eddy currents inside the charge → rapid, closed heating.

Best suited for: High purity gold (>99.95%), low oxygen treatment, rapid cycles.

Main specifications: Power 3-300 kW, temperature range 1200-1600 degrees Celsius, graphite/clay crucibles.

Electric arc furnace (high temperature only):

Method: Carbon electrodes produce arcs above 3000 degrees Celsius, melting refractory materials.

Best uses: Platinum group metals (PGM) recovery, highly contaminated waste.

Induction smelting furnace

2. Crucible: The heart of the operation

Graphite: Affordable price, excellent conductivity, ideal for small batches (<10kg).

Silicon Carbide (SiC): Excellent thermal shock resistance, ideal for high flux smelting. Clay-Graphite: Durability and cost advantages, the standard choice for medium batch smelting. Ceramics (Alumina/Zirconia): Ultra-pure inert materials, essential for refining rates above 99.99%.

3. Key Auxiliary Systems Fume Extraction Devices: Capture toxic gases (arsenic, mercury, cyanide residues) and particulate matter. Must include: High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA), chemical scrubbers, stack monitoring. Slag Handling Tools: Slag pots, slag rakes and slag molds for safe disposal/recovery of by-products. Molding and Casting: Water-cooled ingot molds and pelletizers for standardized output. Digital Controllers: PID system with data logging for precise temperature rise (±5°C) and repeatability.

Safety: A non-negotiable agreement Personal Protective Equipment: Heat reflective clothing, auto-darkening mask, respirator. Gas Detection: Real-time monitoring of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrocyanic acid at the furnace side. Emergency Spray System: Automatic water spray when the furnace overheats. Slag Quenching Station: Specialized wet furnace for cooling slag before processing.

Gold smelting equipment is no longer brute-force hardware, but intelligent integrated systems that combine precision engineering with sustainable recycling. By leveraging advanced technology, especially from leading Chinese manufacturers, refineries can achieve higher yields, lower costs and more environmentally friendly operations, turning raw potential into measurable profits.