Conceptual design analysis of a collection and processing system for scrapped catalytic converters

Abstract

<p>The systems engineering process has been applied to develop and evaluate a system that collects and processes scrapped catalytic converters to recover the platinum group metals retained by the converters' spent catalyst substrate.</p> <p> A needs analysis establishes a catalytic converter manufacturer's desire to reduce the cost of obtaining platinum group metals used to produce new catalytic converters. The analysis proposes a collection and processing system as an alternative to existing suppliers to provide these metals at a lower cost. The analysis applies the engineering process to develop the system's high-level requirements and devises its components, inter-relationships, and operation. This process establishes a system configuration used to evaluate the system's economic feasibility.</p> <p>The results of this analysis indicate that the collection and processing system is feasible within the constraints of available technology and economic resources.</p>