Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a silver purification system that enables a user for purification of raw silver into refined silver using automated detection, analysis, and purification techniques, thereby processing impure silver into high-purity silver for industrial or commercial use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Precious metal refining, especially of silver, is a critical process in various industries such as electronics, jewelry, and bullion production. Traditionally, silver is purified through manual or semi-automated processes which often involve chemical dissolution followed by electrolysis. However, these conventional methods rely heavily on static parameters and manual oversight, which can result in inconsistent purity levels, inefficient material usage, and longer processing times.

[0003] In many cases, impurities in raw silver vary significantly in terms of composition and quantity, which affects the efficiency of the purification process. Traditional methods do not possess the ability to analyze and adapt to the specific composition of the material being refined in real-time. As a result, they either under-process or over-process the silver, leading to suboptimal recovery rates or unnecessary material loss.

[0004] Additionally, improper control of process parameters such as concentration of dissolving agents, temperature, and current can lead to equipment damage, hazardous waste generation, and compromised quality of the final output. Moreover, there is often no mechanism to verify the purity of the refined silver during the process itself, which may require repeated testing, additional refining, or result in distribution of sub-standard output.

[0005] CN102732913A discloses a process and a preparation method for separating valued metal substances contained in silver to purify pure silter by refining and purifying a dore silver primary raw material according to different expression behaviors of metallic element ions to Hass current in media liquid through different potential properties of metal elements. By adopting the process method provided by the invention, on the aspects of refining and purifying of the dore silver, refined finished electrolytic silver powder reaches a high quality of 99.99%, a small quantity of silver-containing waste materials are generated in the refining and purifying production, silver-containing waste water can be returned to the refining production link through a recovery method, and other metals are discharged to a waste liquid treatment system and can also be all recovered.

[0006] US4670115A discloses an electrolytic silver refining process, crude silver is anodically dissolved while refined silver is cathodically deposited and at the accompanying (impurity) metals are selectively extracted from the used (spent) electrolyte and transferred to an aqueous phase. The used electrolyte is enriched in silver and accompanying metals are cathodically deposited and thus removed from the electrolyte. For this purpose, a specific electrolysis cell is provided. The cell being preferably a diaphragm cell with an anionic diaphragm. The extraction of the accompanying metals is achieved by liquid membrane permeation, preferably combined with solvent extraction.

[0007] Conventionally, there exists many refining systems and methods are focused only on fixed-parameter processing and lack adaptability, intelligence, and integration between stages. These systems and methods do not provide real-time quality assurance or dynamic regulation of refining conditions, resulting in inconsistent output quality and inefficiency in operation.

[0008] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of providing a provision for adapting to input material composition, dynamically regulating refining conditions, validating output purity in real time, and enabling recycling of sub-standard product for reprocessing. Hence, the developed system should be capable of ensuring consistent high-purity output, reduced material loss, and streamlined silver purification with minimal human intervention.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling users to automatically determine the weight and elemental composition of raw silver, ensuring precise input evaluation before processing begins.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of optimizing purification in real-time based on the characteristics of each batch of raw silver, leading to more efficient and tailored processing.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of maintaining the ideal chemical environment for silver dissolution through automated monitoring and adjustment, reducing human error and chemical wastage.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that ensures high-purity silver output through a controlled refining process, minimizing contamination and material loss.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that verifies the purity of the final product by analyzing and initiating reprocessing if purity standards are not met, guaranteeing consistently high-quality output.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that automates the entire purification cycle from input to final product improving operational speed, reducing labor, and enhancing user convenience.

[0016] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that safely handles and recycles process waste, reducing environmental impact and complying with safety and disposal regulations.

[0017] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to a silver purification system that allows for the assessment of physical and chemical characteristics of impure silver and dynamically adapts refining conditions based on those characteristics, while continuously monitoring critical process parameters to maintain optimal refining performance and purity outcomes.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a silver purification system, comprises of an input chamber where raw silver is stored, and a sensing unit embedded within this chamber plays a crucial role in detecting both the weight and composition of the raw silver, which is essential for selecting the appropriate purification parameters. To achieve accurate measurements, the sensing unit utilizes load cell sensors for weight detection and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors for analyzing the elemental composition of the raw silver without causing any damage. The raw silver then moves to a dissolution tank, where it is dissolved in a silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution. The amount of silver nitrate solution supplied is carefully controlled based on the weight and composition of the raw silver. To monitor the concentration of the silver nitrate solution effectively, pH sensors and conductivity sensors are embedded within the tank, a dosing unit is integrated with the tank and features conduits with valves and flow sensors. These components are regulated by a microcontroller, allowing for precise control over the flow of silver nitrate solution into the tank, which enables the addition of either acid or neutralizing agents as needed to maintain the optimal concentration of silver nitrate solution for efficient silver dissolution. The next stage of purification takes place in an electrolytic refining compartment, where an anode and a cathode facilitate the migration of silver ions and the deposition of refined silver onto the cathode. The anode used in this process is an impure silver anode, while the cathode either stainless steel or pure silver.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a drying receptacle equipped with air blowers regulated based on the temperature within the receptacle is monitored by a temperature sensor, ensuring that the drying process is carried out under controlled conditions. To analyze the purity of the refined silver, optical spectroscopy sensors are installed within a reservoir connected to the receptacle. These sensors are configured with machine learning (ML) protocols that enable the analysis of spectral data and the determination of the refined silver's purity. The ML protocol continuously compares real-time spectral data with pre-trained datasets, allowing for the prediction and verification of the purity level of the refined silver. If the detected purity falls below a certain threshold, the refined silver is recycled for further refining. The electrolytic refining compartment is also equipped with voltage sensors and ion concentration sensors. These sensors detect the potential difference and silver ion concentration, respectively, enabling the regulation of current for efficient silver deposition. The ion concentration sensor can be either an Ion-selective electrode (ISE) or an ion chromatography sensor. Multiple interconnecting conveying means that transport raw silver, dissolved silver, refined silver, and wastewater between the various components. These conveying means can include conveyor belts for solids, pipes with pumps for liquids, robotic arms, actuated trays for loading and unloading, or a combination of these. The final stages of the purification process involve formatting the refined silver into various forms, such as granules, bars, and powder, using a silver formatting arrangement. This arrangement includes a granulator unit, a moulding press, and an atomizer unit, a wastewater recovery unit is integrated into the system to manage wastewater generated during silver purification. This unit is designed to collect separated metals and neutralize toxic waste before disposal, utilizing components such as solid-liquid separators, activated carbon filters, electrolytic recovery units, neutralization tanks, and chemical scrubbers.

[0021] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a silver purification system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0024] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0025] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0026] The present invention relates to a silver purification system that facilitates the controlled purification of silver by automatically analyzing input material, adjusting refining conditions accordingly, and verifying the quality of the output. In addition, the system further allows for recycling of substandard output and formatting of the refined material into desired physical forms, thereby optimizing resource utilization and maintaining consistent output quality.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a silver purification system is illustrated, comprising an input chamber 101, a dissolution tank 102, an electrolytic refining compartment 103, a drying receptacle 104, a reservoir 106 connected with the receptacle 104, a plurality of interconnecting conveying means 107, a silver formatting arrangement 108 and a wastewater recovery unit 105.

[0028] The system disclosed herein comprises an input chamber 101 specifically designed to store raw silver. The chamber 101 serves as the primary component from which the entire purification process of silver initiates. Embedded within the input chamber 101 is a sensing unit that performs two primary analytical tasks: determining the weight and analyzing the composition of the raw silver. This is achieved through the integration of load cell sensors that provide real-time, high-precision weight measurements, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors, which allow for non-destructive elemental analysis.

[0029] The XRF sensors are capable of detecting even trace elements within the silver, offering a detailed profile of impurities. The data obtained from these sensors is critical for setting the correct purification parameters, such as chemical dosing, electrical information, and refining cycles, making the system highly adaptive to different grades of raw silver.

[0030] The load cell sensors work by converting the weight of the raw silver into an electrical signal. When the raw silver is placed on the load cell, it experiences a slight deformation, which alters the electrical resistance of the sensor's strain gauges. This change in resistance is directly proportional to the weight of the silver, allowing the load cell to accurately measure the weight. The electrical signal generated by the load cell is then processed and transmitted to a microcontroller of the system, providing real-time weight measurements.

[0031] The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors, on the other hand, analyze the composition of the raw silver by exciting its atoms with X-rays. When the X-rays hit the silver, they cause the atoms to emit characteristic fluorescent X-rays that are unique to each element present in the sample. The XRF sensor detects these fluorescent X-rays and measures their energies and intensities, allowing it to determine the elemental composition of the raw silver. This non-destructive analysis provides valuable information about the presence and concentration of various elements in the silver, enabling the microcontroller to optimize the purification process.

[0032] Once analyzed, the raw silver is transferred to a dissolution tank 102, where it undergoes a chemical transformation into a soluble form. The dissolution process involves the use of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution, which is introduced into the tank 102 in a controlled and calculated manner based on the weight and composition previously detected. The tank 102 is built to withstand corrosive reactions and maintain a stable environment for consistent dissolution. This stage ensures that silver is converted into silver ions (Ag⁺) efficiently, enabling subsequent purification through electrochemical means.

[0033] The dissolution tank 102 is supported by a dosing unit comprising conduits fitted with valves and flow sensors, all of which are controlled by the microcontroller. This dosing unit manages the flow rate and volume of silver nitrate solution entering the tank 102. The conduits, fitted with valves and flow sensors, work in tandem to regulate the flow rate and volume of the solution. The valves, typically solenoid-operated or motorized, are controlled by the microcontroller, which sends signals to adjust the valve openings and thereby modulate the flow of silver nitrate solution.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the flow sensors, is capable of using turbine, ultrasonic, or Coriolis, which continuously monitors the flow rate of the silver nitrate solution and provide real-time feedback to the microcontroller, thereby enabling the microcontroller to make adjustments to the valve openings, ensuring that the desired flow rate and volume of silver nitrate solution are maintained.

[0035] Additionally, pH sensors and conductivity sensors embedded in the tank 102 monitor concentration and chemical balance of the solution. The pH sensor consists of a probe, with a thin bulb at the end. This bulb contains a solution with known pH. A reference electrode is fabricated within the probe that remains at a constant pH, providing a stable reference point for monitoring the monitor concentration and chemical balance of the solution. The thin bulb contains an ion selective electrode that selectively interacts with the hydrogen ions in the toothpaste. This interaction generates a voltage proportional to the pH of the solution. The generated voltage is sent to the microcontroller.

[0036] When deviations are detected, the microcontroller actuates dosing unit to introduce acidic or neutralizing agents, maintaining an optimal pH and ionic environment for maximum silver dissolution efficiency.

[0037] The dissolved silver solution is then directed to an electrolytic refining compartment 103, which houses an impure silver anode and a cathode made of either stainless steel or pure silver. In this compartment 103, an electric current is applied to initiate electrolysis, causing silver ions to migrate toward the cathode where they deposit as pure metallic silver. The compartment 103 having, voltage sensors that monitor the electrical potential difference and ion concentration sensors (e.g., Ion-selective electrodes or ion chromatography sensors) that assess silver ion levels in the solution.

[0038] The voltage sensors monitor the electrical potential difference between two points in the electrolytic refining compartment 103. They typically consist of a simple circuit that measures the voltage drop across a known resistance or a reference electrode. In an embodiment of the present invention, one common type of voltage sensor used herein is a potentiostat, which maintains a constant potential difference between the working electrode (cathode) and a reference electrode. This is achieved through a feedback loop that adjusts the current flowing through the electrolytic cell. The voltage sensor's output signal is then used to control and regulate the electrolysis process.

[0039] Ion concentration sensors, such as Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), assess silver ion levels in the solution by measuring the electrical potential difference generated across a selective membrane. The membrane is designed to be permeable to specific ions, in this case, silver ions. When the membrane is immersed in the solution, silver ions bind to the membrane's surface, creating an electrical potential difference that is proportional to the concentration of silver ions. This potential difference is then measured against a reference electrode, and the resulting signal is correlated to the silver ion concentration.

[0040] Ion chromatography sensors, on the other hand, separate ions based on their interactions with a stationary phase. In the context of silver ion detection, the solution is injected into a column, and ions are separated based on their affinity for the stationary phase. The separated ions are then detected using a conductivity detector or an electrochemical detector, which measures the changes in conductivity or current resulting from the presence of silver ions. The resulting chromatogram provides information on the concentration of silver ions in the solution. This dual-sensing arrangement ensures efficient and targeted deposition by regulating the current in response to real-time electrochemical conditions.

[0041] Following the electro-refining stage, the recovered silver, now in metallic form, is transported to a drying receptacle 104. This chamber 101 is equipped with air blowers that are activated and regulated based on temperature readings from temperature sensors installed within the receptacle 104. The core component of the temperature sensor is the sensing element which may include but is not limited to thermistors, thermocouples, or resistance detectors. The sensing element detects temperature changes in the receptacle 104 by altering its electrical properties. As the temperature increases and decreases, the resistance of the sensing element changes accordingly.

[0042] Based on temperature readings from temperature sensors, the microcontroller actuates the air blowers for drying the refined silver. In an embodiment of the present invention, the air blower consists of a motor-driven fan that generates a high-velocity stream of air. The air blower is typically designed to be compact and energy efficient. The air blower is positioned so that its airflow is directed toward the refined silver and this is achieved by adjusting the louvers or ducts to focus the airflow for drying the refined silver.

[0043] The temperature sensors ensure that drying occurs at optimal temperatures to avoid oxidation or contamination. The result is clean, moisture-free silver ready for purity verification and further processing.

[0044] Once dried, the refined silver enters a reservoir 106 that houses optical spectroscopy sensors integrated with machine learning (ML) protocols. The optical spectroscopy sensors capture spectral data of the silver. Optical spectroscopy sensors capture spectral data of the silver by measuring the interaction between light and the material.

[0045] When light is directed at the silver sample, some wavelengths are absorbed, reflected, or transmitted, resulting in a unique spectral signature. This signature is characteristic of the material's composition and can be used to identify the presence of impurities. The sensor typically consists of a light source, a spectrometer, and a detector. The spectrometer disperses the light into its constituent wavelengths, and the detector measures the intensity of each wavelength. The resulting spectral data provides information on the molecular structure and composition of the silver. The spectral data captured by the optical spectroscopy sensor is then fed into the machine learning protocol.

[0046] Then, the machine learning (ML) protocol compares this real-time data with pre-trained datasets to accurately determine the purity level. Through a pattern recognition, the protocols learn to identify the subtle variations in the spectral data that correlate with changes in purity levels. When new spectral data is input into the model, it compares the patterns in the data to those in the pre-trained dataset and predicts the purity level of the silver.

[0047] The machine learning (ML) protocol is also capable of identifying even minute impurities and verifying whether the silver meets a predefined purity threshold. If the purity is below the acceptable level, the microcontroller recycles the material back for further refining, ensuring only high-purity silver progresses to the next phase.

[0048] The silver, once verified for purity, is sent to a silver formatting arrangement 108 where it is converted into marketable forms such as granules, bars, or powder. This arrangement includes a granulator unit for producing small silver particles, a moulding press for forming bars of standard size and weight, and an atomizer unit for generating silver powder. The granulator unit produces small silver particles, also known as granules, through a granulation. In an embodiment of the present invention, molten silver or solid silver is fed into a rotating drum or a high-speed rotor, which breaks down the material into smaller particles.

[0049] The granules are formed through a combination of mechanical forces, such as impact, shear, and abrasion, which reduce the size of the silver particles. The granulator unit may also include features like sieving to control the size distribution of the granules, ensuring that they meet specific standards. The resulting granules are uniform and free-flowing.

[0050] The moulding press forms bars of standard size and weight by shaping molten silver or compacted silver powder into a predetermined shape. The press consists of a mould cavity, which is designed to produce bars with precise dimensions and weights. Molten silver is poured into the mould cavity, or silver powder is compacted into the mould using mechanical pressure. The mould is then allowed to cool, solidifying the silver, and the resulting bar is ejected from the mould cavity. The moulding press ensures that the bars meet specific standards for size, weight, and quality, making them suitable for various industrial, jewellery, or investment applications.

[0051] The atomizer unit generates silver powder through atomization. In the atomizer unit, molten silver is forced through a small nozzle or orifice, creating a fine spray of droplets. The droplets are then rapidly cooled and solidified, resulting in the formation of powder particles. In an embodiment of the present invention, the atomization is achieved using various techniques, such as gas atomization, where a high-velocity gas jet breaks up the molten silver into droplets, or centrifugal atomization, where a spinning disc or nozzle disperses the molten silver into droplets.

[0052] The purification process generates various forms of wastewater that may contain residual metals, acids, or other harmful substances. To address this, the system includes a wastewater recovery unit 105 equipped with solid-liquid separators that performs primary filtration, removing particulate matter, activated carbon filters absorb organic residues, while electrolytic recovery units reclaim residual silver from the wastewater, neutralization tanks adjust pH levels, and chemical scrubbers treat remaining toxic elements, ensuring the final discharge is environmentally safe and compliant with regulatory standards.

[0053] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wastewater recovery unit’s solid-liquid separators perform primary filtration by removing particulate matter and suspended solids from the wastewater. This is typically achieved through physical processes such as sedimentation, centrifugation, or filtration using membranes or filter media. The separators work by exploiting differences in density or size between the solid particles and the liquid, allowing the solids to be removed and the liquid to pass through. This step helps reduce the load on subsequent treatment stages and prevents clogging or fouling of equipment.

[0054] The activated carbon filters absorb organic residues from the wastewater through an adsorption. Activated carbon has a high surface area and a strong affinity for organic molecules, which allows it to effectively remove impurities such as solvents, oils, and other organic compounds. As the wastewater passes through the filter, the organic molecules bind to the activated carbon, resulting in cleaner water. The activated carbon is regenerated or replaced as needed to maintain its effectiveness.

[0055] The electrolytic recovery units reclaim residual silver from the wastewater through an electrochemical process. When an electric current is applied to the wastewater, silver ions are reduced and deposited onto an electrode, typically the cathode. This process allows for the recovery of valuable silver that otherwise lost, reducing waste and improving the overall efficiency of the system. The recovered silver might be reused or sold, providing an economic benefit.

[0056] The neutralization tanks adjust pH levels in the wastewater by adding chemicals that either raise or lower the pH. This is necessary because many industrial processes generate wastewater with extreme pH levels, which harms aquatic life or disrupt biological treatment processes. By adjusting the pH to a more neutral range, the wastewater becomes more amenable to further treatment and safer for discharge into the environment.

[0057] The chemical scrubbers treat remaining toxic elements in the wastewater through chemical reactions that convert or remove the pollutants. These scrubbers typically use chemicals or oxidizing agents that react with the toxic substances, breaking them down into less harmful compounds or precipitating them out of solution. The treated wastewater is then safe for discharge into the environment, meeting regulatory standards for water quality. The combination of these treatment stages ensures that the wastewater recovery unit 105 effectively removes a wide range of pollutants, producing environmentally safe water.

[0058] To facilitate seamless integration and continuous operation, the system incorporates a series of interconnecting conveying means 107, which are configured to transport raw silver from the chamber 101 to the tank 102, dissolved silver from the tank 102 to the compartment 103, refined silver from the compartment 103 to the receptacle 104, dried silver from the receptacle 104 to the reservoir 106, and from the reservoir 106 to the formatting arrangement 108, as well as to convey wastewater to the wastewater recovery unit 105.

[0059] These include conveyor belts for transporting solid silver, pipes fitted with pumps for moving liquids, robotic arms for precision handling, and actuated trays for automated loading and unloading, thereby ensuring that material flows smoothly between each stage from raw silver storage to purification, drying, analysis, formatting, and waste disposal without manual intervention, thereby increasing operational efficiency and safety.

[0060] The present invention works best in the following manner, where process of purification of silver begins with the input chamber 101, where raw silver is initially stored before purification. The sensing unit comprising load cell sensors to detect the weight of the raw silver and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors for non-destructive analysis of its elemental composition. Based on the weight and composition data, appropriate purification parameters are selected. The raw silver is then transferred via interconnecting conveying means 107 to the dissolution tank 102, where it is dissolved in the silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution. The silver nitrate solution is introduced in the controlled manner by the dosing unit fitted with conduits, valves, and flow sensors, all regulated by the microcontroller. Embedded pH sensors and conductivity sensors within the dissolution tank 102 monitor the concentration of the solution and send feedback to the microcontroller to actuate the dosing unit, enabling the addition of acid or neutralizing agents to maintain optimal conditions for silver dissolution. Once dissolved, the silver nitrate solution is conveyed to the electrolytic refining compartment 103, which includes the anode made of impure silver and the cathode selected from either stainless steel or pure silver. Here, silver ions are migrated and deposited over the cathode through electrolysis. The compartment 103 is equipped with voltage sensors and ion concentration sensors either Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or ion chromatography sensors to monitor and regulate current flow for efficient deposition of refined silver. After electrolysis, the deposited silver is conveyed to the drying receptacle 104 equipped with air blowers controlled based on temperature detected by the embedded temperature sensor, ensuring proper drying of the refined silver.

[0061] In continuation, the dried silver is moved to the reservoir 106 connected to the receptacle 104, where optical spectroscopy sensors integrated with machine learning (ML) protocols analyze the spectral data of the refined silver. The machine learning protocols continuously compares real-time data with pre-trained datasets to determine the purity of the silver. If the purity is below the predefined threshold, the microcontroller automatically recycles the silver for further refining. If it meets the required purity, the silver is directed to the silver formatting arrangement 108, where it is converted into desired forms such as granules, bars, or powder using the granulator unit, the moulding press, and the atomizer unit. Finally, any waste water generated during the process is transferred via interconnecting conveying means 107 to the wastewater recovery unit 105, which treats and neutralizes the waste. This unit comprises solid-liquid separators for initial filtration, activated carbon filters to remove organic residues, electrolytic recovery unit 105s to reclaim residual silver, and neutralization tank 102s and chemical scrubbers to ensure safe disposal of toxic waste. Throughout the entire purification process of silver, the plurality of interconnecting conveying means 107 including conveyor belts, pipes with pumps, robotic arms, and actuated trays facilitates the smooth transition of materials between each stage, enabling the fully automated and efficient silver purification cycle.

[0062] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A silver purification system, comprising:

i) an input chamber 101 for storing raw silver to be purified;
ii) a sensing unit embedded in said chamber 101 for detecting weight and composition of said raw silver to enable selection of purification parameters;
iii) a dissolution tank 102 within which said raw silver is received to be dissolved in silver nitrate (AgNO₃) solution, wherein said silver nitrate solution is supplied in a controlled manner in accordance with weight and composition of said raw silver;
iv) a dosing unit is provided with said tank 102, having conduits configured with valves and flow sensors, controlled by a microcontroller, regulate said flow of silver nitrate solution into said tank 102, wherein pH sensors and conductivity sensors embedded in said tank 102 monitor concentration of silver nitrate solution and provide feedback to said microcontroller to actuate said dosing unit to add either acid or neutralizing agents to maintain optimal concentration of silver nitrate solution for silver dissolution;
v) an electrolytic refining compartment 103 consisting an anode and a cathode to facilitate sliver ion migration and deposition of refined silver over said cathode;
vi) a drying receptacle 104 configured with air blowers regulated based on temperature within said receptacle 104 detected by temperature sensor provided in said receptacle 104, for drying of said refined silver; and
vii) optical spectroscopy sensors configured with ML (machine learning) protocols installed within a reservoir 106 connected with said receptacle 104, to analyse spectral data of said refined silver and determine purity of said refined silver, wherein said ML protocol continuously compares real-time detected spectral data with pre-trained datasets to predict and verify purity level of refined silver.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit comprises load cell sensors to detect weight of raw silver and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) sensors for non-destructive analysis of the elemental composition of said raw silver.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anode is an impure silver anode and said cathode is selected from a stainless steel and a pure silver cathode.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein voltage sensors and ion concentration sensors are provided in said compartment 103 to detect potential difference and silver ion concentration to enable regulation of current for efficient silver deposition.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said ion concentration sensor is selected from an Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or ion chromatography sensors.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said refined silver is recycled for further refining if said purity detected by said optical spectroscopy sensors is below a threshold purity.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of interconnecting conveying means 107 is provided to convey raw silver from said chamber 101 to said tank 102, dissolved silver from said tank 102 to said compartment 103, said refined silver from said compartment 103 to said receptacle 104, said dried silver from said receptacle 104 to said reservoir 106, from said reservoir 106 to said formatting arrangement 108, and conveying of wastewater to said wastewater recovery unit 105.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveying means 107 is selected from conveyor belts for transporting solids, pipes configured with pumps for flow of liquids, robotic arms, actuated trays for loading and unloading, and a combination thereof.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a silver formatting arrangement 108 is provided for formatting said refined silver into granules, bars and powder, said silver formatting arrangement 108 comprising a granulator unit, a moulding press and an atomizer unit.

10) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wastewater recovery unit 105 adapted to receive waste water generated during silver purification to collect separated metals and neutralise toxic waste prior to disposal, said wastewater recovery unit 105 comprising solid-liquid separators for primary filtering, activated carbon filters to absorb organic residues, electrolytic recovery unit 105s to reclaim residual silver from waste, neutralization tank 102s and chemical scrubbers to ensure safe disposal of acidic or toxic waste.