Overview of Export of Crushed Milled Ceramic and Metal Catalyst

Efficient recovery and purification of platinum group metals, such as rhodium palladium and most importantly, platinum, from the spent catalyst is economically desired by exporters of crushed milled ceramic and metal catalyst. Spent catalysts contain platinum, a precious metal that is also a reforming catalyst in the petroleum industry. Extraction of these metals from catalytic converters of automobiles uses highly advanced refining and purification process. Currently, the recycling units in India do not possess the technology to profitably recover these Platinum group elements from spent catalysts discarded by old or scrap vehicles in the country. The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 allows for exporting clean, spent precious metal-bearing catalysts to other countries. The processing of crushed milled ceramic from the catalytic converters needs hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy techniques to yield these precious metals. Recovery of precious metals to the maximum extent possible once the catalyst is used up requires sophisticated machinery and techniques. Therefore, we see the export of crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts to technologically advanced countries like Japan.

Opportunities in Export of Crushed Milled Ceramic and Metal Catalysts

The purpose of automobile catalytic converter is to reduce the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxide emissions below the legislated levels. The strict emission norms for the automobile industry across the globe have led to the huge demand for catalytic converters. These converters have to be compulsorily discarded when their efficiency decreases in order to meet the pollution control norms. Various extraction and purification techniques are implemented depending on the nature of the metal/s present in crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts. The export of this crushed waste is permissible by the laws associated with the transboundary movement. The opportunities for the export of crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts have further grown after the implementation of BS6 norms in the country. Coupled with the recent vehicle scrapping policy changes in India means easy availability of raw material, i.e. crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts from catalytic converters that will soon need recycling after they are discarded.

Process of Recycling and extraction of the Metals

The initial step in processing involves collecting and dismantling a catalytic converter. After breaking open the converter, the carriers are milled and homogenised. Many processing units also perform a chemical analysis to check the level of platinum and other precious metals. A thickening operation may be applied if the platinum level is lower than 30%. This stage includes processes like incineration, based on hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy or both together. The recovery process is mainly done after the export of crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts due to the lack of commercially viable options for extraction facilities in India.

Documents Required for Export of Crushed Milled Ceramic and Metal Catalysts

• Duly filed Form 5
• Valid Consent to Operate under Water Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981
• Permission Certificate from MoEF&CC for export.
• Movement documents as per form 6
• Insurance policy covering liability to health and environment during transit
• Acknowledgement for a receipt of a copy of the application from the concerned SPCB/ PCC
• Consent Letter from the Country regarding the hazardous waste or scrap
• A Copy of the Legally Binding Agreement drafted and signed between both parties for recycling

Steps in the Export of Crushed Milled Ceramic and Metal Catalyst

The application Export of Crushed Milled Ceramic and Metal Catalyst goes through the given stages

Export Opportunities for crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts

The scope of growth and profitability for any business largely depends on its importance in the economy. Catalytic converters are a costly component in automobiles due to the use of precious metals in their manufacturing. Therefore their refining and recycling have become a massive market in many countries, including India. Aside from environmental and health risks spent catalysts can pose to humans and the environment when managed improperly, huge profits can be derived from the export of crushed milled ceramic and metal catalysts to technologically capable countries for recycling. Discarded catalytic converters containing precious metals are also becoming important in the recycling and recovery sector in every corner of the country. If recovered, these precious metals, whose material values are increasing daily, can provide huge profits for the businesses involved.

How will Enterclimate Assist You?