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What’s Catalytic Converter? And How Does It Work?

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You are probably thinking: What’s catalytic converter? Fortunately, we are here to break this down further for you. In nutshell: The catalytic converter generally works by using the catalysts to transform the car’s toxic gases in harmless ones. And platinum is a catalyst in catalytic converter, however, there are some other metals too, including rhodium, palladium, nickel, copper, iron, cerium, and manganese. So, we refine recycle, and pay for palladium, platinum, and rhodium that we reclaim from the catalytic converters and for this you need to know how much palladium is in a catalytic converter.

Here is where it gets very interesting: Precious metals platinum and palladium are smeared on the catalytic converters matrix. And what happens is crazy.

When the exhaust passes through catalytic converter, precious metals change the things like carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in carbon dioxide and water.

Look confusing? All you actually want to know is catalytic converters have a lot of different metals within them, like:

  • Nickel
  • Copper
  • Iron
  • Cerium
  • Rhodium
  • Manganese

That is not all. Continue reading to know why the catalytic converter is highly valuable!

catalyst converter

Why Catalytic Converter is So Valuable?

What makes the catalytic converter valuable? We are glad you have asked. Amazingly, top three expensive precious metals that are found within the catalytic converter will include palladium, rhodium, and platinum! Not very sure why palladium, rhodium, or platinum are valuable? Answer: they are very rare precious metals. And not just that, but they are commonly used in daily products such as:

  • Electronic devices
  • Industrial parts
  • Jewelry

Do you know the secret?

The catalytic converters lifespan must be long as the car’s lifespan. Nonetheless, you must definitely consider replacing this if you ever notice your car is backfiring more. Some other signs you may have to replace the catalytic converter will include flashing of “Check Engine” lights as well as using a lot of gas to fill the car. Do not know where you can turn? Try to call the local mechanic for putting in the new one. This being said, it will be costly to replace the catalytic converter. Why? As they were made originally for the large-scale factories, and not the regular automobiles!

What Are the Used Catalytic Converters?

Because the catalytic converters have 3 different Platinum Metals –palladium, platinum, and rhodium – and they are highly valuable. On an average, there are around 3 to 7 grams of the platinum in the standard catalytic converter; however, an amount differs based on the model and manufacturer. Thus, you will see how minimum acceptable size lot of 500 catalytic converters and 1000 pounds of the loose catalyst will add up to the reclaimed profits.

XOXO
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