Handheld XRF Analyzers for Catalytic Converter Recycling
Handheld XRF gives catalytic-converter recyclers fast, accurate measurement of the platinum-group metals (PGMs) — platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), and rhodium (Rh) — that drive converter pricing. These metals are worth even more when you can quantify them accurately in seconds, right at the buy counter or on the sort line. This page covers every SciAps XRF used for catalytic converter recycling, how each applies, and their PGM detection limits.
Why Recyclers Choose SciAps for PGM Analysis
Accurate PGM quantification depends on more than just reading Pt, Pd, and Rh — matrix elements in the honeycomb and washcoat (barium, cerium, lanthanum) affect the result. SciAps XRF measures those alongside the PGMs to correct for matrix effects, delivering results that correlate tightly with the lab (R² > 0.99 across all three PGMs in converter-sample testing). A 50 kV X-ray tube provides the excitation energy needed for confident PGM detection.
The Analyzers for Catalytic Converter Recycling
The Car-Cat Specialist
If catalytic-converter analysis is your primary application, the X-50 is the best choice. It's a uniquely lower-priced, premium-performing model designed for this purpose: its high-power 50 kV X-ray tube delivers accurate, precise PGM results with impressive limits of detection, plus the rare-earth and matrix elements (Ce, La, Ba) that improve overall accuracy by accounting for matrix effects. It can also handle general, non-aluminum alloy sorting. Max tube voltage 50 kV, Si-PiN detector.
Which Analyzer Is Right for You?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a handheld XRF accurately price a catalytic converter?
Yes. SciAps handheld XRF measures platinum, palladium, and rhodium in seconds with results that correlate to the lab at R² > 0.99, and it also reads matrix elements (Ba, Ce, La) to correct for matrix effects — the key to accurate PGM values for pricing.
Which SciAps analyzer is best for catalytic converter recycling?
For converters as a primary business, the X-50 is the purpose-built, best-value choice with a 50 kV tube and strong PGM detection limits. For operations that also process heavy scrap, the X-550 or X-505 adds premium alloy sorting on top of equivalent car-cat performance.
What are the detection limits for platinum, palladium, and rhodium?
On the X-550/X-505, roughly Pt 16 ppm, Rh 3 ppm, Pd 5 ppm; on the X-50, roughly Pt 21 ppm, Rh 3 ppm, Pd 4 ppm — low enough for confident PGM quantification in converter samples.
Why does measuring cerium and lanthanum matter for PGM accuracy?
Cerium, lanthanum, and barium are part of the converter's honeycomb matrix and washcoat, and they influence the XRF signal. Measuring and accounting for them corrects matrix effects, producing more accurate platinum, palladium, and rhodium results.