/ Where it comes from
Process residues that often retain PGM
- Saturated cartridges and filter elements after operations using Pd/C, Pt/C, Ru/C, Rh/C.
- Pt/Rh gauzes from ammonia oxidation (HNO₃ production).
- Filter cakes recovered from press-filters after batch reactions.
- Black powder collected in cyclones, baghouse filters, condensers — often classified as hazardous waste without prior assay.
- Hydrogenation sludge stored in drums awaiting disposal.
- Spent activated carbon, silicas, aluminas, molecular sieves with adsorbed PGM.
/ Don't
Common mistakes that destroy value
- Mixing residues from different processes before sampling.
- Wetting or incinerating on your own — this can change the chemical form and recoverability.
- Disposing without at least one photo and a process description.
- Trusting surface XRF without volumetric sampling — powders and cakes need representative aliquots or destructive assay.
/ FAQ — filter residues
Frequently asked questions
Why can a saturated hydrogenation filter be worth assaying?
In Pd/C, Pt/C, Ru/C or Rh/C hydrogenation, virtually all metal catalyst from the batch ends up retained in the filtered solid. The discarded filter may carry commercially relevant PGM concentration — even if it looks like just dark carbon.
Does black powder from process collection (cyclones, baghouse) carry PGM?
It can, depending on the process. Reforming, isomerisation and operations with fine particulate catalyst drag material into downstream dust collection. Without an assay it is guessing. With one, in many cases licensed disposal stops making economic sense.
Can I just incinerate to reduce volume before sending for assay?
Not recommended. Improvised thermal treatment can change the chemical form of PGM and harm later recovery. Keep material dry, separated by origin, in closed packaging until assay.
What should I NOT do before submitting for review?
Do not mix lots from different processes; do not wet or heat-dry; do not pressurise; do not route to generic disposal before at least a photo and a process datasheet. Mixing kills the average grade and prevents representative sampling.
How long until I get a reply after submitting?
Preliminary screening usually goes out the same business day. If the lot warrants sampling or laboratory analysis, the plan and timeline are aligned before any movement.
Who pays for the assay?
In-house preliminary XRF carries no cost for the generator at the screening stage. Confirmatory ICP-MS, ICP-OES or fire assay through a partner laboratory is quoted per sample; payment protocol depends on lot size and commercial decision. We discuss before commissioning.
Do I need an invoice (NF-e) to sell process residue?
For lots and commercial operations, we evaluate applicable documentation case by case, including NF-e where due. Documented provenance accelerates negotiation and improves pricing.
/ Submit a residue
Send context and one photo
Got several photos? Send them on WhatsApp
If possible, send photos of the material, label, packaging, origin, approximate weight and any existing assay. You may use the form below (with a Drive/OneDrive/Dropbox/WeTransfer link) or send everything directly on WhatsApp.
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