Umicore

Dirk Crauwels

Tim Van Rompaey

Wim Dobbelaere

Hilke Verbruggen

The invention concerns a process suitable for the recovery of platinum group metals (PGM) present in PGM-bearing catalysts comprising silicon carbide (SiC). More particularly, the process for the recovery of PGM present in PGM-bearing catalysts comprising SiC, comprises the steps of preparing a metallurgical charge by mixing the PGM-bearing catalysts with an Fe-oxide compound in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least 65% of the SiC, and feeding the metallurgical charge and slag formers to a smelting furnace operating in conditions susceptible to form a liquid Fe-based bullion, which contains PGM, and a liquid slag. Good to excellent PGM yields are obtained.

Method for the recovery of platinum group metals from catalysts comprising silicon carbide

This disclosure concerns the recovery of PGM (platinum group metals) from spent homogeneous catalysts present in an organic phase. Specifically, a pyrometallurgical process is provided whereby the PGM, and Rh in particular, are concentrated in a metallurgical phases, rendering them accessible for refining according to known processes. To this end, a process is disclosed comprising the steps of: &#x2014;providing a molten bath furnace, having a submerged injector equipped for liquid fuel firing; &#x2014;providing a molten bath comprising a metallic and/or matte phase, and a slag phase; &#x2014;feeding the spent homogeneous catalyst and an Obearing gas through the injector, a major part of the PGM being recovered in the metallic and/or matte phase; &#x2014;separating the PGM-bearing metallic and/or matte phase from the slag phase. The energy content of the organic waste can be effectively used for heating and/or reduction of the metallurgical charge in the furnace. Valuable metals are recovered with high yield, and the environmentally harmful organic waste is destructed.

Growing community of inventors

Boechout, Belgium

Dirk Crauwels