CERAMIC REFINING PROCESS

Collection

PMR receives used catalytic converters from its partners worldwide. There are two ways in which this can be done:

  • Air, sea, land or rail shipment to PMR;
  • On-site collection by a PMR agent.

Decanning

Once the catalytic converter has been received and processed for extraction, it is opened in order to separate the ceramic honeycomb brick from its steel can using appropriate safety and dust collection measures.

Upon opening the steel can, the ceramic is then crushed, milled and sampled multiple times according to rigorous procedures and statistical guidelines.

PMR provides this service free of charge.

Assaying

Assaying is the process of determining the concentration of precious metals contained in the ceramic. This is the commonly used method for platinum group metals like palladium, rhodium and, of course, platinum itself. Assaying takes place at PMR's own laboratory.

Refining: Minimum Necessary Ceramic Quantity

The minimum quantity of ceramic required for efficient catalytic converter recycling is 1,000 lbs. Considering that the average weight of ceramic in a catalytic converter is 2 lbs., a load requires 500 used catalytic converters or more in order to be processed.

Precious Metals Yield

The return value of platinum, palladium and rhodium (adjusted for high-volume customers) is 88% and up. The quantity of precious metals in a load is determined by PMR's own laboratory through multiple samples. The entire process operates according to strict environmental and statistical protocols (please see Environment for further information).

Platinum, palladium and rhodium prices vary according to market value.
Platinum, palladium and rhodium prices vary according to market value.

Precious Metals Pricing

Platinum, palladium and rhodium prices vary according to market value. Our main source for precious metal pricing is kitco.com.

Our laboratory has analyzed the quantity of precious metal contained in over 5,000 different catalytic converters!