Iridium Recovery_The Process of Recycling Iridium-Tipped Spark Plugs

Recycling iridium-tipped spark plugs involves several key steps, all aimed at safely and efficiently recovering the iridium while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

1. Collection and SortingThe first step in the recycling process is the collection of used or scrap spark plugs. These spark plugs are typically gathered from a variety of sources, such as automotive repair shops, waste management facilities, and scrap yards. The spark plugs are sorted to ensure they are not contaminated with other materials, as contamination can affect the recovery process and the purity of the precious metals.

   
   

2. Separation of ComponentsAfter sorting, the spark plugs undergo a process where they are disassembled. The metal housing, often made from steel or aluminum, is separated from the iridium tip. The housing is typically sent for further recycling as steel or aluminum scrap. Meanwhile, the iridium tip, which is often fused to a platinum or palladium core, is carefully removed for further processing.

   
   

3. Extraction of IridiumThe extraction of iridium from the spark plug tip is the most complex part of the recycling process. Since iridium is highly resistant to chemical reactions, it cannot be extracted easily through traditional methods. Special chemical processes or electrochemical techniques are employed to recover the iridium. These methods might include the use of acids or high temperatures to break down the metal alloys and isolate the iridium from the other materials.

   
   

4. Purification and RefiningOnce the iridium is extracted, it undergoes a purification process to remove any remaining impurities. This may involve electrolytic refining, where an electric current is passed through a solution containing the iridium, allowing it to separate from other metals. The result is highly purified iridium, which can then be reused in the production of new spark plugs or other industrial applications, such as electronics, catalysts, and even medical devices.

   
   

5. Recycling of Other MaterialsBesides the iridium tip, the other components of the spark plug—such as the ceramic insulator and metal housing—are also recycled. The ceramic insulator can often be processed into various construction materials, while the metal housing is typically melted down and reused in manufacturing new steel or aluminum products.

Dingfeng Precious Metals Recycling includes precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, platinum, germanium, iridium, ruthenium, etc. This is our business in precious metal recycling. If you have precious metals such as gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, platinum, germanium, iridium, ruthenium that need to be recycled, please contact us and we will provide you with a satisfactory price.

Email us with pictures at dfpmr5719@dfpmr.com or send us on whatsapp at +8613760175719 to discuss your materials. We provide professional evaluations of industrial precious metal-bearing scrap and estimates of precious metal content.