Catalyst recycling is essential for making industries such as petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, and fertilizer production greener and more sustainable. The Amlon Group specializes in helping industrial companies achieve this objective. By providing customized solutions for treating metal-bearing catalysts, Amlon recovers valuable materials such as molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, vanadium, and various precious metals that are introduced back into the economy to be used in various industrial processes.
The cost of properly managing hazardous waste has steadily increased over the past 25 years. In 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated the cost of compliance with regulations at nearly $32B annually. Coupled with diminishing airspace for landfills and an expanded focus on emissions for incineration, reclamation becomes an attractive alternative.
Environmental stewardship and profitability need not be conflicting objectives. Companies participating in Amlon's catalyst reclamation programs can enhance their sustainability goals, reduce handling expenses, and be advised on regulatory compliance matters.
Spent Catalyst Recycling Processes
The processes employed by Amlon — which reclaim base and precious metals for reuse in various industries — ensure effective recycling of spent catalysts for recovery.
The main technology for the treatment of spent catalyst is thermal desorption. Amlon's specialized thermal desorption units (TDUs) are designed to thoroughly treat a wide variety of spent catalysts. This process is highly efficient at treating spent catalyst material to remove deposits accumulated during their use in refining and manufacturing. The EPA views thermal desorption technology as an effective method to safely volatilize and capture contaminants, endorsing the technology under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Positive Impacts
Amlon provides its customers with potential economic benefits that contribute to positive environmental impacts when processing spent catalysts. Customers can take advantage of the EPA’s HSM exclusions, such as the Transfer-Based Exclusion. TBE allows a generator to send HSM to a reclaimer without it being treated as hazardous waste, provided "reasonable efforts to ensure that the chosen reclaimer will properly and legitimately reclaim the HSM and not discard it." Amlon’s metal recovery process enables materials to be classified as “recycled.” This potentially reduces the amount of hazardous waste that companies report in their federal filings.
Another notable impact of Amlon’s process is the reintroduction of reclaimed metals back into the global economy. Many of these metals are considered ore substitutes and are valued in metal production. Every ounce of reclaimed metal offsets the need to mine this material, effectively reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact of mining virgin metals.
Introducing Operating Efficiencies at the Local Level
Amlon’s Sales team does more than process an order for treating spent catalyst. As technical advisors, they stay engaged throughout the entire process, consulting on operating scenarios. For example, they routinely advise customers in choosing the most efficient means of transportation, recommending cost-effective container options like roll-offs or ensuring the prompt return of rented containers to minimize fees.
“Having a close relationship with our industrial partners makes all the difference. In a recent turnaround for a petrochemical plant in the Gulf Coast, we were able to get in early and advise them on ways to maximize the end value of their catalyst materials through the unloading process,” said Keith Crow, VP of Sales and Business Development.
He added, “By doing this, our customer was able to minimize contamination and maximize the value of their spent catalyst. Our goal, just like our customers' goals, is to limit wasted material and maximize the recoverability of reusable metals. We recognize that everyone wins when we take the time to collaborate, plan, and execute. In this specific case, we were able to return more value to our customer, while reducing their carbon footprint, a win-win for everyone.”
A Win for the Customer (and the Environment)
Aside from the cost reduction of not having to dispose of spent catalyst as hazardous waste, Amlon creates an additional value proposition for customers. Even in the most dynamic of markets, the metals reclaimed from Amlon’s treatment have value. This allows for customized solutions that align with customer business objectives.
Catalysts for a Greener Tomorrow
The Amlon Group’s spent catalyst recycling program provides a comprehensive roadmap for managing these materials. By working with Amlon, companies optimize their catalyst management processes and gain a partner with a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and stewardship.
