LEARN ABOUT PLATINUM
Platinum is one of the rarest elements on Earth. Its atomic number on the periodic table is 78 and its chemical symbol is Pt. It is known for its resistance to corrosion at high temperatures and in moist conditions, and is a dense, malleable, and therefore noble metal.
These characteristics and its extreme rarity justify platinum's high market value. Although platinum can be found in jewellery and electrical equipment, it is mostly used in the manufacture of catalytic converters.
In 2006, 59% of platinum sold was used for catalytic converters while 20% went into jewellery. In catalytic converters, this metal is meant to act as a catalyst by turning engine combustion carbon dioxide into water vapour.
In the catalytic converter recycling business, it takes approximately 100 lbs. of honeycomb monolith to extract 1 oz. of platinum. Each catalytic converter contains approximately 2 lbs. of honeycomb monolith, which means that precious metal refiners need at least 50 catalytic converters to extract 1 oz. of platinum.
Only the most advanced technology (from crushing to sampling) can help precious metal refiners determine the amount of platinum contained in a honeycomb monolith with maximum precision. As a leader in catalytic converter recycling, PMR is proud to provide this high-quality service.
