OUR RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES
Catalytic Converter Recycling Solutions for Every Request.
Phoenix Group Metals provides an extensive suite of options and tools to serve the progressive automotive recycler and specifically the catalytic converter recycling industry. We are a resource to identify grades and values of converters, determine parts per million (PPM) per converter or lot, hedge material, provide accurate assay results, and provide transparent settlement reports.
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Whether you are looking to sell your material via direct purchase, video buy, or toll refining - we take pride in meeting our customer’s needs and exceeding their expectations. Call us today!
KWIK-CAT - Coming Soon!
CATALYTIC CONVERTER IDENTIFICATION APP
Transparency is the foundation of our investment in digital technologies. Our online database allows you to view 1000s of OEM catalytic converter part numbers online 24/7. With Kwik-Cat you can see real-time prices based on current market conditions so you know you’re always getting the best available price for your used catalytic converters.
PGM CONVERTER ASSAY LAB
Having a precious metal assay lab and running one with accuracy is not the same thing.
Our metallurgical laboratory is fully equipped for chemical analysis using state-of-the-art XRF and ICP-OES. Our laboratory employees are trained with the highest quality requirements to ensure that every sample is analyzed and assayed to deliver a benchmark-setting quality service. We have on staff a metallurgist with experience in precious metal analysis to ensure quality control and precise results. Our lab technicians are certified in acid digestion, XRF, and ICP-OES by the manufacturers to deliver results precisely and accurately.
X-Ray Fluorescence Analyzer (XRF)
Our X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer uses an X-ray source to measure the emitted radiation from a sample to determine the elemental composition. During analysis, an electron is ejected from its atomic orbital by the absorption of a light wave (photon) of sufficient energy causing the electron from an inner orbital to be ejected from an atom and consequently, an electron from a higher energy level orbital will be transferred to the lower energy level orbital emitting a photon from the atom (fluorescent light).
This fluorescent light is characteristic of each element which helps to determine the composition and concentration of precious metals within a sample. This is our fastest method to analyze Platinum, Palladium, and Rhodium contained within a sample without any chemical treatment before the analysis. We have the capability to compare our XRF results with our ICP-OES results to complement the analysis of each sample and find the real value.
Inductively Coupled Plasma-
Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
The ICP-OES equipment uses heat from an argon shielded plasma torch that reaches a temperature of up to 10,000 degrees Celsius to determine the quantity of certain elements that are contained within a sample. The principle is that atoms and ions can absorb energy to move electrons from a steady state to an excited state. The intensity of the emissions from the elemental wavelengths of light is proportional to the concentrations of the elements within the sample. Our ICP-OES has a special software that corrects for interferences caused by the presence of different elements found in catalytic converters. Our team has developed a standard procedure for catalytic converters to ensure that every sample is analyzed accurately despite having complex matrixes.
The samples are leached prior to the analysis by using our state-of-the-art leaching and acid digestion system which dissolves the platinum, palladium, and rhodium into a solution where the residual solids contained in the sample are separated. We carefully dilute our samples and identified them. The ICP-OES analyzer is calibrated by using certified standards for Pt, Pd and Rh before analyzing the samples. In addition, certified standards are used as quality control to ensure the proper analysis of our samples and overcome any possible interference during the analysis. We ensure quality and accuracy by using an autosampler which facilitates and ensures that the sample integrity is guaranteed reducing human errors during the analysis.
Analysis of catalytic converters presents a unique challenge to analyzing precious metals with different sample matrixes (interferences). At our laboratory, we ensure during each analysis that the samples are properly prepared and represent the full value of each catalytic converter despite these interferences. The fact of having different types of equipment does not guarantee accuracy but the correct methodology, standardized procedures, and proper sampling of each catalytic converter are what deliver accurate results.
PLATINUM POWER PLUS SHREDDING & SAMPLING SYSTEM (pppsss)
When it comes to recycling your scrap catalytic converters we know you have more choices now than ever. That makes choosing a reliable and competent partner somewhat challenging and confusing. Phoenix Group Metals wants to make that decision easier.
What is it then that separates us from all the other catalytic converter companies? Simply put, technology. We have invested in having a full suite of options to ensure you get the maximum return for your catalytic converters. One of these technologies is the newest and most advanced custom-built catalytic converter shredding and sampling system in existence. Our state-of-the-art technology can process more than 1,200 cats per hour and has the ability to yield our suppliers higher and quicker returns on their catalyst material.
PPPSSS – pass it on!