Material evaluation
What determines the value of spent catalyst material?
Metal content matters, but a headline percentage alone does not determine what a processor or buyer can pay. See the factors Artios considers when evaluating spent catalyst recycling and recovery.
Contained and payable metals
Nickel, molybdenum, cobalt, vanadium, tungsten, copper and precious metals may contribute value. Payability depends on the recovery process, yield, market and commercial terms—not simply the theoretical contained value.
Moisture, support and contaminants
Moisture, oil, carbon, sulfur, alumina and other constituents affect net recoverable content, treatment requirements, freight and processor acceptance.
Physical form and preparation
Pellets, fines, powders and wet material can require different packaging, sampling and processing. Consistency and representative sampling improve confidence.
Quantity and location
Volume affects sampling and processing economics. Location, border crossings, classification and transport requirements can materially change the net result.
Commercial structure
Outright purchase, formula pricing and refining arrangements allocate assay, market and recovery risk differently. The suitable structure depends on the material and available market.
Build a complete material profile before comparing headline offers. A higher percentage does not automatically produce a better net outcome.
Material-specific considerations differ for NiMo and CoMo catalysts and platinum- and palladium-bearing catalysts.