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Business unit / dept.: Precious Metals Refining

Spent Industrial Catalysts

Due to their high precious metals content, the recycling of Spent Industrial Catalysts is crucial for the overall performance of the industrial catalytic process. 

Umicore Precious Metals Refining has developed various and unique original sampling techniques for solid (wet or dry) and Liquid Spent Catalysts in order to receive unbiased, reliable and fully representative samples: no unexpected losses, no pre-treatment (e.g. incineration).

Our unique sampling and refining technology result in highly efficient, accurate and environmentally sound reclaiming of valuable metals.

Materials Market / Application Packaging instructions & material characteristics

Solid Catalysts
Catalysts based on Al2O3, SiO2, Zeolite, …

Oil refining: reforming / isomerisation / hydrocracking / GTL
Petrochemical: VAM
  • Dry, free flowing particles
  • No highly toxic / hazardous / volatile components
  • Packing: 200L metallic drums (without inner liners), big bags, flow bins
Catalysts based on carbon

Petrochemical: PTA
Fine Chemicals: hydrogenation / oxidation
  • Coconut shell type
  • Paste, powder, crumbly lumps
  • Typically 30-60% moisture
  • No highly toxic / hazardous / volatile components
  • Packing: 200L metallic drums (without inner liners), big bags
Catalysts based on ion exchange resin Fine Chemicals: homogeneous catalyst reactions
  • Spherical particles
  • Typically 30-60% moisture
  • No highly toxic / hazardous / volatile components
  • Packing: 200L metallic drums (without inner liners), big bags

Liquid Catalysts
Organic / water based catalysts

Bulk chemicals: OXO, acetic acid
Fine chemicals: homogeneous catalyst reactions
  • Liquid without residues
  • Viscosity: < 400 mPas (25°C)
  • Boiling Point and flash point: > 55°C
  • No toxic components 

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