Recycling of automotive catalytic converters
Analysis of Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), and Rhodium (Rh) Elements Using Vanta Handheld XRF Analyzer
High value elements
The Vanta handheld XRF analyzer can quickly and accurately measure platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) elements in catalytic converter materials. These elements have very high value, so it is crucial to accurately identify these metals.economic benefits
From a business perspective, the ability to recycle platinum group elements (PGM) helps meet emerging demands in the market. The platinum group elements recovered from automotive catalytic converters account for more than half of the market demand for platinum and palladium elements, as well as the vast majority of rhodium elements. It is crucial for recyclers to accurately estimate the content of platinum group elements in the catalytic converter materials they recycle.
Platinum group metals have a strong ability to accelerate reactions. Since the 1980s, cars have been equipped with catalytic converters to treat exhaust emissions. Catalytic converters can convert emissions into less harmful compounds.
The internal ceramic honeycomb structure of the catalytic converter is coated with a carrier coating containing platinum, palladium, and rhodium elements. To enhance the performance of the catalytic converter, other elements can also be added to the coating.
In addition to accurately measuring the content of platinum, palladium, and rhodium elements, the Vanta analyzer's elemental composition also includes various other elements that are typically added to carrier coatings. In addition, the element group of Olympus analyzer also includes some elements that need to be analyzed to prevent fraud. These elements are additional elements added by criminals to catalyst materials in order to enhance the value of precious metals through improper means.
![]() |
![]() |
Reliable results
Before testing, the reference standard sample should be crushed, dried, and filtered through a sieve to obtain a sample with consistent grain size and texture. Then, the sample should be placed in a cup sealed with a 4 μ m Prolene film, and finally the sample in the cup should be tested using an analyzer. To obtain representative and accurate results, it is necessary to prepare the sample. Not preparing samples and only analyzing the surface of ceramic honeycomb structures can produce misleading results.
Use Vanta's VLW, VCW, and VCA analyzers to analyze 30 samples, with each test lasting 60 seconds. The analysis results obtained by all models of analyzers are highly consistent with the actual situation. Even if the sample contains a large number of other elements, the comparison results still maintain a certain degree of agreement. The analysis results of the Vanta VLW model analyzer are shown in the following figures.
Vanta series: sturdy and durable, improved and innovative, efficient and productive
The Vanta analyzer is Olympus' most advanced handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device to date, providing users with fast and accurate elemental analysis and alloy identification for those who require precise analysis levels in field environments.
sturdy and durable
Improve innovation
Efficient and productive

Software features that can quickly achieve investment returns for users

Application of Connectivity and Cloud Technology

Customizable analyzer for effective multi device management
VANTA Spectral Analyzertechnical specifications
External dimensions (width x height x thickness) |
8.3 × 28.9 × 24.2 cm |
---|---|
weight | 1.70 kg with battery; 1.48 kilograms without battery. |
exciting source | A 4-watt X-ray tube with optimized anode materials for different applications, including rhodium (Rh), silver (Ag), and tungsten (W). M series (Rh and W) and C series (Ag): 8-50 kV C series (Rh and W): 8-40 kV |
Main beam filtering | Each mode and beam have 8 automatic selection filters for each position. |
detector | M series: Large area silicon drift detector C-series: Silicon Drift Detector |
power supply | Removable 14.4V lithium-ion battery or 18V power transformer, 100-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz, large 70 W |
display | 800 × 480 (WVGA) LCD capacitive touch screen, which can be controlled with fingers |
operating environment | Temperature: -10 ° C to 50 ° C (continuous operation with optional fan). Humidity: Relative humidity is 10% to 90%, without condensation. |
Drop Test | Passed the 1.3-meter-high drop test of the US military standard 810-G. |
IP rating | IP65 *: Dustproof and can prevent water spray from all directions. |
Pressure correction | Built in barometer for automatic calibration of altitude and air density. |
GPS | Embedded GPS/GLONASS receiver |
operating system | Linux |
Data Storage | 4 GB embedded storage with microSD card slot for expandable storage capacity. |
USB | Two USB 2.0 A-type main ports for accessories such as Wi Fi, Bluetooth, and USB flash drives. A USB 2.0 pocket B-type port for connecting to a computer. |
Wi-Fi | Through the optional USB adapter, it supports 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz). |
Bluetooth | Through the optional USB adapter, it supports Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy function. |
Aim at the camera | Full VGA CMOS camera |
Panoramic camera | 5-megapixel CMOS camera with autofocus lens. |
Handheld ternary catalytic analyzer
Used for detecting the content analysis of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium in three-way catalytic converters.
apply toDetecting automobile exhaust emissionsThree way catalytic converter,The automotive catalytic converter mainly contains precious metal elements such as palladium, rhodium, and palladium, which are used to purify automobile exhaust.
In general, if other elements such as cerium and zirconium are present in automotive catalysts, the catalytic strength will be relatively high; Barium can be reduced to nitrogen in diesel engines; Common types of trucks include titanium and tungsten.