Three Places You Are Most Likely to Find Platinum and Platinum Scrap

Platinum ScrapRecycle Refine PalladiumRecycle Refine Platinum
Written By Barry Lenson

We recently asked Dan Fried, Founder and CEO of Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners, to name a few places where platinum can be found. Some of his advice was surprising and if you follow it, we predict you will find platinum that you can recycle for money. 

Here’s a summary of what he had to say. 

Smokestacks

Every smokestack contains precious metals, primarily platinum, secondarily palladium, and third, rhodium. And according to Mr. Fried, those precious metals can be found in smokestacks that are either active or inactive. 

Sources of Platinum in the Home

In the home, jewelry is probably the greatest source of platinum. Thermocouples are another source. But according to Mr. Fried, thermocouples that are found in air conditioners and stoves do not contain platinum-group metals or contain too little to recycle profitably. 

But other kinds of thermocouples contain enough platinum to recycle. To learn about them, read on . . . 

Industrial Thermocouples

Thermocouples are a kind of wire, made up of strands of several kinds of metal wire, that are used to measure heat. After being used in industrial processes they wear out and companies discard them. But they still contain enough platinum and rhodium to be valuable. If you can obtain a quantity of thermocouple wire, give Specialty Metals a call at 800-426-2344. You can send in even a small sample of thermocouple wire for testing and evaluation. 

A Quick Do-It-Yourself Test for Platinum 

Using a plumber’s propane torch to test precious metals

Mr. Fried suggests this quick test for platinum scrap you can conduct on your own in a safe outdoor or other setting. Simply heat your sample with an inexpensive plumber’s propane torch until it is red hot. Then take the torch away. The metal will quickly return to room temperature.

If it is platinum, palladium, or rhodium, it will show no discolorations after it cools, but will still exhibit a bright shiny surface. 

How Do You Clean Out an Industrial Smokestack?

The best advice is, don’t! Cleaning an industrial smokestack is a task that should be undertaken by experienced professionals who are familiar with the specific requirements of the facility and the type of contaminants involved. Additionally, compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is essential to avoid environmental and safety violations. Therefore, it is recommended to hire qualified industrial chimney cleaning and maintenance services for this job.

Your Next Step . . .

To have your precious metal scrap tested, call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344 or email sales@specialtymetals.com. And be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel. 

Barry Lenson
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