Catalytic converter materials inside

If you have a quantity of or more used automobile catalytic converters on hand, Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners is ready to recycle them for you and pay you top dollar for the platinum and other precious metals they contain. Before you contact us or ship us used catalytic converters, you might want to take a few minutes to learn more about what catalytic converters are and how they work.

The more educated you are, the better you will understand why recycled catalytic converters can be so valuable. Most of us know what the outside of catalytic converters looks like. Want to look? Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at to discuss the converters that you have on hand.

How does the catalytic converter reduce the risks of CO poisoning? The typical catalytic converter found on most newer cars and trucks combines oxygen with carbon monoxide to form non-poisonous carbon dioxide CO 2 reducing the high concentrations in the exhaust manifold typically 30, ppm or more to low concentrations typically below 1, ppm after the catalytic converter. Tailpipe concentrations of carbon monoxide in gasoline engines without catalytic converters are typically from 30, to over , ppm, depending on the condition of the engine.

How can CO poisoning occur if the engine has a catalytic converter? Exhaust gas that leaks out before the catalytic converter has high CO concentrations. Out-of-tune or misfiring engines produce elevated concentrations of carbon monoxide and unburned fuel that can destroy the catalytic converter.

During cold starts the catalytic converter is ineffective. And if there is insufficient oxygen caused by operation in a closed building or with a defective oxygen system , there will not be enough oxygen for oxidizing the CO to CO 2.

What is the problem with pick-up toppers, open tailgates, and holes in the vehicle body? For carbon monoxide poisoning to occur, a person must breath the CO. Holes allow the CO to enter the vehicle.

Every year several people die while sitting in old vehicles with defective exhaust systems and holes rusted through the vehicle floor. When a vehicle is moving, holes or openings in the rear of the vehicle are under a suction which pulls in exhaust fumes. A bureau study on reported converter thefts shows on average per month were stolen in , per month in and 1, per month in Arl recalls hearing what sounded like a woodpecker in the front yard of his home about a. He said he now believes the racket was the removal of his car's catalytic converter.

When he heard the same woodpecker clamor again on Monday coming from a nearby condominium complex, he hopped in his car in search of the source, Arl said. While he found a Prius in the area, he didn't investigate further, opting to leave that for police.

While thieves need a jack to lift a Prius to steal a catalytic converter, it's not necessary with a truck or SUV. The best way to prevent theft, according to Molly Hart, spokesperson for AAA-The Auto Club Group, is to keep the vehicle in a garage or other safe place when not in use. Putting the car inside the garage is not an option for Arl, he said. Pricing transparency results in best results for all sides. Read how prices are determined. Click here for related articles online. Find manufacturers of separation technology in our Equipment Guide.

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