Non Destructive recovery
of lost PGM
Industry expertise
RSBruce is a specialist in the recovery of precious Platinum Group Metals (PGM) from nitric acid and chemical manufacturing plants.
Working on sites around the globe, we clean operational plants, recover lost metals and improve plant operating efficiencies.
When working on an operational plant, we use specialised techniques that we have developed.
Our techniques are not aggressive towards the plant itself whilst still achieving excellent precious metal recoveries. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest returns in the industry, and no one has more experience than us in this field.
Types of non-destructive clean down
The method of recovery will vary from plant to plant. Therefore, it's important to choose a clean down company correctly with the right technical experience as poor decision making can result in damage and financial loss
Recovery can be done by either filling the unit with a mild chemical solution; or, alternatively with the use of the latest developments in spray techniques. Our systems are independently tested by corrosion experts to prove there is no detrimental effect to plant whatsoever: guaranteed!
Our extensive testing shows that high-pressure jetting recovers 90-99% of PGM material. When compared with 55-65% by mechanical means this is a great improvement and no PGM oxides are lost into the atmosphere as dust.
Endoscopic cameras are used to visually examine tube walls and other internal surfaces to further ensure a thorough clean and the recovery of all retrievable PGM residues
metals, NO gas tube side.
High Pressure Jetting is a most effective method for cleaning heat exchangers, boilers, items tube-side in the nitric oxide flow and brick-lined chambers. It is also very cost-effective, to quickly clean plant in-situ with minimum disruption. The process pumps water through a flexible lance at a pressure of 15,000psi (1000 bar), delivering a powerful jet of water directly onto the plant surface.
Nitric acid tank cleaning to recover lost Platinum Group Metals that have been carried from the production process to the product storage.
Tanks can go uncleaned for decades and significant PGM deposits can build up. Deposits can be cleaned and collected using our techniques and high pressure jetting.
Tanks associated with the production and storage of nitric acid have historically proven to yield high values of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) when included as part of a scheduled clean-down.
Normally the procedure for these recoveries can be executed within a short release timeframe fitting into the tightest of shutdowns.
All units were restarted after the cleaning without any problem.
Confined spaces trained
- Operators are continuously trained and carry working in confined spaces qualifications
- Highly experienced and safe. 35+years experience working on customer sites
- Throughout over 700+ clean downs, there has been zero confined space incidents
Accreditations
We carry out all work in accordance with current legislation, including method statement, risk assessment and the planning of work procedures. Our no-obligation on-site survey and assessment by one of our team will determine the viability of PGM recovery, including sampling and analysis, and will provide a free cost estimate from an experienced project manager.
Looking for a different type of recovery?
learn more about our destructive cleaning methods
