The SciAps X-550 with CarCat is a high-performance handheld XRF rental configured specifically for catalytic converter recycling.

CarCat is SciAps’ dedicated catalytic converter application for measuring the primary platinum group metals found in automotive catalyst material:

• Platinum (Pt)
• Palladium (Pd)
• Rhodium (Rh)

If you need an XRF for evaluating processed catalytic converter material, checking PGM concentrations, comparing lots, or adding faster in-house testing to your recycling operation, this is the configuration we recommend.

Why the X-550 for Catalytic Converter Recycling?

Catalytic converter analysis is a demanding XRF application, particularly when measuring rhodium at relatively low concentrations.

The X-550 is one of SciAps’ higher-performance handheld XRF analyzers and pairs a powerful 50 kV X-ray tube with a high-performance silicon drift detector. When combined with the CarCat application, it provides a portable solution specifically designed around PGM analysis.

For most catalytic converter recyclers, however, the bigger question isn't simply how low the analyzer can detect an element. Sample preparation and repeatability are what determine whether the numbers are useful.

Designed for Prepared Catalytic Converter Material

The X-550 CarCat rental is intended for analyzing processed and homogenized catalyst material.

Catalytic converters are not uniform. PGM concentration can vary throughout the substrate, which means testing a single exposed piece of honeycomb or taking one reading from an intact converter may not represent the converter as a whole.

For meaningful results, catalyst material should generally be:

• Decanned
• Ground or milled
• Thoroughly mixed
• Presented as a representative sample

Good sample preparation allows you to take multiple repeatable XRF measurements and build a much better picture of the material you're testing.

If you are setting up a new testing process, Alloy Geek can also help you understand how to use the analyzer and evaluate whether your sample preparation method is producing consistent results.

What Can You Use It For?

The SciAps X-550 CarCat rental is a good fit for:

• Catalytic converter recycling
• PGM screening
• Pt, Pd, and Rh measurement
• Incoming material evaluation
• Comparing catalyst lots
• Checking blended or processed material
• Process control
• Verifying consistency before sending material for final assay
• Evaluating whether XRF makes sense for your operation before purchasing an analyzer

Fast Feedback Without Waiting on a Lab

Laboratory assay still has an important place in precious metal refining and final settlement.

The advantage of handheld XRF is speed.

Instead of waiting for an outside assay every time you want information about a sample, the X-550 allows you to collect PGM measurements directly at your facility. That makes it useful for screening, process decisions, comparison testing, and identifying material that may need additional investigation.

For final settlement or other high-value commercial decisions, laboratory analysis may still be appropriate.

Also Includes Alloy Mode for Scrap Sorting

This X-550 rental is not limited to catalytic converter analysis.

The analyzer also includes Alloy Mode, allowing you to use the same instrument for common metal identification and alloy sorting applications.

That means a recycler can use the X-550 for CarCat testing and also turn around and identify or sort materials such as:

• Stainless steels
• Nickel alloys
• Cobalt alloys
• Tool steels
• Copper alloys
• Aluminum alloys
• Titanium alloys
• Other common scrap and industrial metals

For recycling operations handling both catalytic converters and general metal scrap, this gives the X-550 a major advantage over a single-purpose setup.

You are not just renting an analyzer for PGM testing. You are getting a high-performance handheld XRF that can also support day-to-day alloy identification, scrap sorting, and incoming material verification while it is on site.

For facilities evaluating whether to purchase an XRF long term, this is also a useful way to test both workflows with a single rental.

What's Included

Your rental includes:

• SciAps X-550 handheld XRF analyzer
• SciAps CarCat App
• Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery
• Battery Charger
• AC Power Adapter with USA Wall Plug
• Carrying case
• Spare Measurement Windows
• Alloy Geek Rental Start Training

We can also help you get familiar with the CarCat workflow before you begin testing.

Not Sure If CarCat Is Right for Your Application?

Catalytic converter recycling is one of those applications where choosing the right analyzer and using the right sample preparation method matters.

If you're unsure whether the X-550 CarCat configuration is the right rental for your operation, contact Alloy Geek before ordering.

Tell us what you're testing, how the material is being prepared, and what you're trying to accomplish. We'll help you determine whether this configuration makes sense.

Need Help Choosing the Right Analyzer?

The SciAps X-550 is a premium option for catalytic converter recycling, particularly for businesses that may also need the analyzer for broader scrap-metal applications.

If your only application is catalytic converter analysis, contact Alloy Geek and we can help determine whether the X-550 or another XRF configuration is the best fit for your project.

Not sure what you need? Contact Alloy Geek before ordering. We specialize in handheld XRF and can help you select the appropriate rental configuration for your application.

Downloads

• SciAps X 550 Pb Manual

To Request a Quote

• Request a Quote Online
• Call us at 919-400-1216
• Email us at sales@alloygeek.com