Delivered project
Germanium Recovery Line for Cutting and Grinding Scrap
This germanium recovery line was delivered in 2026 for a rare-metal processor in central China. The project processes germanium cutting and grinding scrap, with 5N GeO2 specified as the product and a batch scale of 100–200 kg Ge. The related germanium recovery plant page describes the wider recovery and purification capability.
Germanium recovery line: Project Overview
The delivered project brings the recovery and purification equipment together for a secondary germanium feed. Cutting and grinding scrap is handled as a solid-liquid mixture, with leaching and washing used to transfer germanium into solution before purification.
- Client
- a rare-metal processor in central China
- Feed
- Germanium cutting and grinding scrap
- Product
- 5N GeO2
- Batch scale
- 100–200 kg Ge per batch
- Delivery year
- 2026
- Status
- Delivered
The batch figure refers to germanium, rather than the total mass of incoming scrap. The feed, product and scale describe this germanium scrap recycling line.
The Challenge
Secondary feed composition can change between batches. For this type of project, transferring germanium into solution and removing impurities are connected challenges: valuable germanium must be retained through the recovery stages while the purification section addresses the required product purity.
Any loss of germanium carries a direct material cost. Stable recovery and purity are therefore common concerns when designing a line for cutting and grinding residues.
A single equipment scope from leaching through purification also addresses the interfaces that would otherwise need coordination between separate suppliers. The equipment needs to work as connected sections, rather than as an unrelated collection of vessels and auxiliaries.
Process Route
The documented recovery sections include the following unit operations:
- Alkaline leaching and washing
- Adsorption purification
- Filtration and press-drying
- Vacuum drying
The leaching reactor page covers the equipment used for the leaching duty.
Scope of Supply
The project includes the main equipment and PLC control. The equipment package is governed by the contract Scope of Supply; equipment supply does not include every activity needed to prepare and operate the client site.
Scope of supply: civil works, utilities and local permits are by the client.
External utility connections, including the services required by the supplied equipment, remain within the client scope. The boundaries between those connections and the equipment package need to be kept clear.
Installation and commissioning are covered by a separate service contract after the order.
Equipment and Materials
The equipment list below identifies the supplied equipment by name and quantity.
| Equipment | Qty |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen peroxide storage tank | 1 |
| Caustic solution make-up tank | 1 |
| Multifunction reaction-washing-filtration vessel (agitated Nutsche type) | 1 |
| Caustic wash liquor holding tank | 1 |
| Caustic solution purification adsorption column | 1 |
| Caustic solution storage tank | 1 |
| Bag filter press-dryer | 2 |
| Multifunction vacuum dryer | 1 |
| Coil (pancake) heat exchanger / condenser | 1 |
| Water-jet vacuum unit | 1 |
| Thermal-oil heating system | 1 |
| Mobile material cart | 3 |
| Screw metering feeder | 1 |
| High-temperature hydrogen reduction furnace (induction heated) | 1 |
| Screw discharge conveyor | 1 |
| 1st/2nd-stage coil heat exchangers | 2 |
| High-pressure blower | 1 |
| Transfer pumps (H2O2, caustic, wash liquor, metering, filtrate, DI water, condensate) | ×9 |
| PLC electrical control cabinet | 1 |
Materials of construction are selected for the material you process.
Results
The line was delivered for a batch scale of 100–200 kg Ge, with 5N GeO2 specified as the product. PLC control forms part of the delivered equipment scope. These figures describe the supplied project; they do not establish a recovery percentage, energy saving or performance guarantee for a different feed.
A proposal for another residue must address that material and the intended product. The delivered batch scale should not be read as the mass of mixed cutting scrap that can be charged without considering its germanium content.
Related Technologies
germanium recovery plant covers recovery and purification equipment for germanium-bearing materials.
leaching reactor explains the equipment section used to bring material into solution.
hydrometallurgy equipment provides the broader rare-metal extraction and recovery context.
For related reading, germanium recycling addresses cutting and grinding scrap as a secondary resource. For independent mineral information, see the USGS Germanium Statistics and Information page.
FAQ
What kind of germanium scrap can this line process?
This delivered line was designed for germanium cutting and grinding scrap. A different secondary feed needs its own review; this case does not establish suitability for every germanium-bearing waste.
Can the line produce GeO2 at 5N purity?
The product specified for this delivered project is 5N GeO2. The statement applies to this case and is not a guarantee for a different feed or equipment configuration.
Is PLC control included in the scope of supply?
Yes. PLC control is included in the delivered project scope. The contract Scope of Supply defines the equipment package, while installation and commissioning are covered by a separate service contract after the order.
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