Silver Recovery Unit Type Silvex®

GRETAGX is a leading manufacturer of equipment for processing silver halide paper (photographic paper). In addition to our proven exposure systems (fastPrint/widePrint), photo paper processors (VSP25/VSP50), cutting units (wideCut/masterCut), and chemical mixing stations, we also offer solutions for silver recovery single use and closed-loop chemistry. 

With our Silver Recovery Units ("SRU"), you could recover up to 92% of the silver from chemical processes. This allows you to make a significant contribution to environmental protection while also generating a “small” additional income.     

Based on your lab data, we would be happy to calculate the corresponding yield and economic viability. 

The silver recovery process 
The SILVEX® Silver Recovery Unit is based on an electrolysis process that extracts silver from the bleach-fix and fix baths and deposits it as pure metallic silver. This recovered silver can be easily removed and returned to the recycling cycle through sale. The de-silvered fix bath or bleach-fix bath can now be disposed of responsibly.  

Alternatively, we recommend returning the fixing bath or bleach-fixing bath to the process. This is possible for up to 70% of the volume, which significantly reduces chemical consumption and disposal costs. 

SILVEX®-Units were developed with a particular focus on durability, user-friendliness and features a robust construction. Key components such as the frame, drum, and motor mount are made of high-quality stainless steel (V4A), while the tank is manufactured from environmentally friendly polypropylene. A low-wear toothed belt drive ensures smooth operation, and all critical components are easily accessible for inspection and maintenance. 

The integrated control system enables flexible control of auxiliary processes such as dosing, oxidation, container handling and can be adapted to specific requirements. The compact design and user-friendly operation—including quick drum changes without tools—ensure smooth operation in daily production. 

The key benefits briefly: 

• A significant contribution to environmental protection 

• Recovery of valuable silver for additional revenue and cost savings 

• Reduced chemical consumption and lower disposal costs, optionally through bath regeneration (recycling) 

• High reliability and long service life 

• Easy operation and maintenance-friendly design 

• Low operating costs 

  
  

For more background information on silver recovery in photographic processes, please refer to the overview provided by FUJIFILM Europe: https://www.originalphotopaper.com/unused/silver-recovery/  

• Do you want to achieve the highest possible recovery rate?
• Are you looking for a system that is as safe, durable, and reliable as possible?
• Do you want the shortest possible return on investment?
• Talk to us - we’ll provide you with a customized quote. And if you're existing VSPs need to be optimized for silver recovery, we’ll provide everything you need from a single source: expert, reliable, and built to last!

Your contact person at GRETAGX GmbH is Mr. André Tolmien andre@gretagx.com and Mr. Adam Bluss adam@gretagx.com.