catalyc converters and smelting.

[wulfgar]

So here it goes, I work at an auto wreckers. I have access to alot of catalyc converters. The price of them until about 2 months ago was at record highs. Okay enough random babbling, my question is does anyone know how to or where I could find out on how to smelt and seperate the precious metal out of the cats? Or am I barking up to big of a tree?

[highlander]

i believe that they are full of chrome, which is very hazardous to your health when hot/molten. i would leave that to professionals personally. lets see what others say

[wulfgar]

i havent found anywhere that lists chrome in it. the most common and sought after ones are nickel, gold, silver, platinum, palladium and rhodium. and it is either platinum or palladium that is the real high seller.

[Daryl]

Unless you wish to kill yourself, don't even consider going there.
The precious metals used in catalytic converters are catalysts, as the name implies. The noxious chemicals and elements expelled from the combustion engine bond with those same precious elements. These elements and chemicals start off with hydrogen sulfide (mix with water and make sulfuric acid in small amounts) and get worse from there on. I work with diesel engines which are now equipped with DPF (diesel particulate filter) systems. The warnings with those alone tell you to wash your hands immediately if you touch the insdie the of the filter, the gas versions are not much different.

[highlander]

chrome plated mesh layers separate different metals inside. helps the catalytic converter work better at high temps

[wulfgar]

thanks guys. glad i asked on here health is always number in my books. and hey daryl, you say you work with diesel engines. a little off topic (or alot) but do you know or know anyone who does know a fair bit about the cummins 5.9?

[orgtwister]

what do you want to know about the 5.9?i had one for years as my 6 of my buddys also pm me maybe i could know some thing for you