If you own a car, you must be aware that your exhaust system contains a surprisingly valuable piece of metal. Your car's catalytic converter serves an essential purpose and contains some highly-prized parts that can be expensive.
Of course, recycling is the best way to guarantee that you get a fair price for your used catalytic converter and that it is handled in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. The team at Belanger are experts in metal recycling and have put together this guide to catalytic converter recycling, de-canning, and its functions and benefits.
Catalytic Converter: Introduction
The exhaust systems of modern vehicles include catalytic converters, which help lessen an automobile’s impact on the environment. The group of catalysts transforms harmful gases produced by automobiles into less dangerous substances.
Examples include the transformation of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons (which cause smog) into carbon dioxide and water. Platinum metal is used in catalytic converters, which promote reactions when exhaust fumes pass.
Several priceless metals, including copper, nickel, cerium, iron, and manganese are found in catalytic converters. Catalytic converters also contain rhodium, platinum, and palladium, which is more significant.
Catalytic converters should last the vehicle's lifetime; however, if the vehicle frequently backfires, it might need to be replaced sooner. Due to their metallic nature, replacements can be pricey.
What is the Procedure for Recycling Catalytic Converters?
We subject them to our unique processing system to remove the PGM-coated substrate from the shells of the catalytic converters. Belanger’s experts use cutting-edge technology that has been proven to be very successful in the industry.
Compared with de-canning, a procedure still used by other catalytic converter recycling companies, our process offers a much more efficient system. A portion of the PGM materials is removed during de-canning, as these materials are released into the air, shears, and the floors of the recycling facilities. The entire contents of the catalytic converter shells are extracted, and no catalyst materials are discharged into the atmosphere or elsewhere.
De-Canning of Catalytic Converter
It is well known that to maximize their value, catalytic converters must be de-canned. The catalytic converter de-canning procedure is the most crucial step in recycling catalytic converters because, in this process, precious metals are extracted from the ceramic monolith inside the converter's shell. When this procedure is carried out improperly, there can be a lot of waste product and money waste, and the de-canning worker may also suffer harm.
This blog will discuss the points to remember while de-canning your catalytic converters and how ventilation systems can keep your workers safe while de-canning the catalytic converter.
Points to Remember While De-Canning Your Catalytic Converters
You need the appropriate safety gear and tools if you want to de-can your catalytic converters. With the aid of this equipment, you can safely and efficiently extract precious metals from your catalytic converters.
Safety
First, you must have safety gear. The proper gear will protect you from injuries and toxic particulate inhalation while operating this machinery and working around the dust output. Start with safety gear such as thick gloves, a long sleeve shirt, goggles, and a face shield. Wearing an air purifying device is advised. These systems keep you cool by bringing in clean, fresh air and keeping out dangerous dust particles.
Suitable Shear
You will need the tools to cut your catalytic converters once you have your safety gear. Instead of the usual alligator shear, we advise using the guillotine shear. Using guillotine shear is for safety reasons, but you can puncture the catalytic converter with a sharp point, crush the catalyst with the head block, and then extract the ceramic monolith by squeezing the converter. It's crucial to remember that you need to remove the stainless-steel mesh from the converter shell. The stainless-steel mesh is 304 stainless grades, and the shell is 409 ferritic. The converter shell itself has a lower scrap value than this mesh.
Tips for Gathering Your Catalyst
After learning which shear to use to de-can your catalytic converters, you need to understand how to collect the waste. We recommend using a super sack inside a Gaylord box to collect your catalyst properly. As you de-can, put this underneath the shear. Because your loose catalyst could easily leak or escape through the box's small openings, we advise against using a Gaylord box alone without a super sack to prevent losing your precious material. Additionally, since steel drums are more challenging to clean and close than super sacks, we advise not to use them.
Ventilation
A dust collection system is one of the most crucial and frequently overlooked that helps you maximize the collection of your material. Because cartridge systems are simple to clean, we advise using them. With a dust collection system, you can both protect yourself from the dangerous particles that are in the air and you collect dust. The ventilation hoses in the front and back of your shear must have a minimum airflow of 2500 CFM, and the cartridge you use for de-canning must have a minimum 0.5-micronron filter.
Maintenance
Finally, with all your equipment, it is essential to run proper maintenance to ensure your system operates efficiently. Check the system before every session for leaks, loose fittings, lack of hydraulic fluid, and a dull blade.
Key Takeaways
If you have questions about this blog or any issue with catalytic converter recycling, any professional of Belanger is here to help you. Recycling catalytic converters is a journey. We hope you will rely on us and can contact us for further guidance.
Bình luận