Spent Catalyst

Spent catalysts play a critical role in the metal and alloy manufacturing industry, particularly for the recovery and reuse of valuable metals and their integration into new metal and alloy production cycles. Spent catalysts are primarily generated by Oil refineries, Petrochemical plants, Chemical industries, Automative industry, Power plants, hydro-processing units, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units, and Other industrial processes. They are available in various forms—solid pellets, powders, or slurries—and are classified as hazardous waste due to their chemical composition.

 

Recycling spent catalysts reduces dependence on primary metal mining, conserves natural resources, and supports a circular economy. The recovered metals are used to produce high-performance alloys, stainless steel, and superalloys essential for aerospace, automotive, and energy industries.

 

Handling and importing spent catalysts require strict environmental compliance and government approvals.

 

First understand what is spent catalyst:

A spent catalyst is a material that has been used in a chemical reaction (most commonly in industrial processes) and has lost its activity or selectivity due to:

• Contamination or poisoning

• Sintering (high temperature exposure)

• Loss of surface area

• Chemical changes during reactions

 

Despite being "spent," these catalysts often contain valuable metals such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), vanadium (V), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and rare earth elements, which makes them highly valuable for recovery and recycling.

 

Usages of Spent Catalyst (Post-Processing):

Once recovered, spent catalysts can be:

1. Recycled to extract precious and base metals.

2. Reused in other industries (after reactivation or reformulation).

3. Processed into secondary raw materials for industries like:

   • Cement

   • Steelmaking

   • Ceramics

   • Batteries (e.g., Ni, Co recovery)

4. Used in environmental remediation, including wastewater treatment and flue gas cleaning, depending on composition.

 

Use of Spent Catalyst in Metal and Alloy Manufacturing:

Spent catalysts contain high concentrations of metals that are crucial for alloying or standalone applications. Common metals include:

 

Metal / Common Catalyst Source / Use in Industry

• Nickel (Ni) / Hydrotreating catalysts / Stainless steel, superalloys

• Cobalt (Co) / Fischer-Tropsch, hydro-processing / Battery alloys, tool steels

• Molybdenum (Mo) / Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) / High-strength steel alloys

• Vanadium (V) / Sulfuric acid catalysts / Vanadium steel, tools, aerospace

• Tungsten (W) / Deep HDS catalysts / Heat-resistant alloys

• Platinum Group Metals (Pt, Pd, Rh) / Petrochemical and automotive catalysts / Electrical contacts, catalytic converters, specialty alloys

 

Regulatory & Environmental Concerns:

Spent catalysts are often classified as hazardous waste due to heavy metals. Regulations include:

• Basel Convention (for transboundary movement)

• REACH Compliance (EU)

• RoHS / WEEE for electronics-related spent catalysts

• Environmental laws in India under CPCB and Hazardous Waste Management Rules

 

Applications in Metal and Alloy Manufacturing:

Spent catalysts are a valuable source of metals like Nickel, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Vanadium, and Platinum, making them ideal for recycling in the metal and alloy manufacturing industry. These recovered metals are used to produce high-strength steel, corrosion-resistant alloys, superalloys, and specialty materials for aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. By repurposing spent catalysts, manufacturers reduce reliance on virgin mining, lower production costs, and support sustainable practices. Spent catalyst recycling also contributes to circular economy goals, making it a preferred solution for eco-friendly metal production. Here are some of the key applications are:

1. Steel Industry

   • Use of Mo, V, Ni from spent catalysts in producing high-performance tool steels, structural steel, and stainless steel.

2. Superalloys

   • Ni, Co, and W recovered from catalysts are essential in aerospace, nuclear, and turbine components.

3. Battery Manufacturing

   • Cobalt and nickel from spent catalysts are used in Li-ion battery cathodes.

4. Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing Metals)

   • Fine metal powders recovered can be repurposed for metal additive manufacturing.

 

Why to source Spent Catalyst from Bableez Overseas?

Bableez Overseas – Trusted Sourcing Agency, Importer & Supplier of Spent Catalyst

At Bableez Overseas, we take pride in being a trusted global sourcing agency, importer, and supplier of spent catalysts, serving industries that require high-quality raw materials for metal recovery, alloy manufacturing, and recycling applications. With a strong commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability, we connect buyers with reliable sources of spent catalyst materials from across the globe.

 

We source and supply various types of spent catalysts including Hydro-processing catalysts (NiMo, CoMo), FCC catalysts (zeolite-based), Reforming catalysts (Pt-based), Environmental catalysts (SCR, automotive), and Spent catalysts from petrochemical and ammonia plants.

 

We ensure the ethical and compliant procurement of spent catalysts, providing industries with sustainable solutions for raw material needs while maintaining full legal and environmental responsibility.

 

We are known for our competitive pricing, timely delivery, and professional service. Whether you are looking for bulk shipments of specific spent catalysts or need assistance with sourcing strategies, Bableez Overseas is your reliable partner.

 

Are you looking to buy or import spent catalysts for your recycling or manufacturing needs?
Contact us at contact@bableezoverseas.com and let us help you source the right materials from trusted global suppliers.​​

​

​