Irrigation – Diesel and Nat Gas

Red Fox Resources purchases spent diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and diesel oxidation catalysts (DOCs) from diesel powered engines used to pump water from wells for agricultural irrigation.  These engines may operate under the requirements of EPA’s Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (RICE-NESHAP) and/or local emission control requirements that require the use of a platinum group metals (PGM) based emission control catalyst for NOx and Particulate Matter (PM) reduction.

Diesel engines used for pumping and irrigation in California are subject to the requirements of the local air quality management districts (AQMD) or air pollution control district (APCD) and are required to have three-way catalysts for emission controls.  Engines regulated by local air districts may be required to perform in use testing and/or emission monitoring.   Emission monitoring often results in data suggesting there has been catalyst degradation and the catalyst needs to be replaced.  Red Fox Resources purchases the spent catalyst systems that were replaced for PGM recycling.

Based on engine horsepower and application, diesel-powered engines may be equipped with a variety of catalyst technologies and formulations to meet the emission standards required.  Generally, the emission control catalysts utilized in diesel-powered engines are ceramic honeycomb substrates opposed to the metallic foil substrate used in natural gas engines.

Frequently Asked Questions – Stationary Catalyst Recycling

Red Fox Resources purchases three-way catalysts (TWC’s) from natural gas-powered engines used to pump water from wells for agricultural irrigation.  These engines may operate under the requirements of EPA’s Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (RICE-NESHAP) and/or local emission control requirements that require the use of a platinum group metals (PGM) based emission control catalyst for NOx and CO reduction.

Natural Gas engines used for pumping and irrigation in California are subject to the requirements of the local air quality management districts (AQMD) or air pollution control district (APCD) and are required to have three-way catalysts for emission controls.  Engines regulated by local air districts may be required to perform in use testing and/or emission monitoring.   Emission monitoring often results in data suggesting there has been catalyst degradation and the catalyst needs to be replaced.  Red Fox Resources purchases the spent catalyst systems that were replaced for PGM recycling.

Based on engine horsepower, application, and fuel source, natural gas-powered engines may be equipped with a variety of catalyst technologies and formulations to meet the emission standards required.  Generally, the emission control catalysts utilized in natural gas-powered engines are metal foils opposed to the honeycomb type substrate used in diesel and gasoline engines.

BACKGROUND: MurCal is a premier integrator and distributor of emission control and engine monitoring systems, including industrial three-way catalysts. Based in Palmdale, CA, MurCal frequently works with California’s huge agricultural sector (irrigation pump engines), as well as California’s oil and gas industry (natural gas compression engines).

PROBLEM: As a by-product of its industrial catalyst business, MurCal found itself aggregating spent three-way catalysts at their Palmdale warehouse after having sold replacement catalysts to customers to ensure compliance with local air quality and emissions monitoring regulations.

After a few attempts to make catalyst cleaning or washing work within stringent local and state regulations, MurCal decided to abandon the catalyst washing process and found itself sitting on industrial three-way catalysts with several disposal options:

• Disposing of them as basic scrap metal
• Returning them to the customer
• Attempting to collect on their core value with manufacturers
• Warranty return with manufacturers
• Finding a trustworthy PGM (Platinum Group Metals) recycler who understood their true value

SOLUTION: MurCal approached Red Fox Resources in search of a dependable recycling partner to help solve their disposal problems. Red Fox presented a highly flexible solution of recycling with the intent to reclaim platinum, palladium, and rhodium contained in the substrate of the three-way catalysts.

After a site visit to confirm part numbers and weights, Red Fox set up an on-site pickup and was able to get MurCal paid faster than less worthwhile alternatives, including core return programs. The payment was completed within 15 business days, injecting quick cash into the equation.

VALUE: Red Fox provides PGM expertise and cash liquidity for spent industrial catalysts that are essentially “dead assets” for a company. Red Fox makes recycling purchase offers for industrial catalysts by the part number or by the pound depending on the application. This solution is ideal for large corporate growers, farm management companies, engine dealers, irrigation/pump dealers, and other similar businesses.

LEARN MORE: To get more information on Red Fox Resources recycling programs for industrial catalysts, please contact Aric Forfar, Senior Buyer – Strategic Accounts, Tel: 909-238-0365, Email: Aric.Forfar@RedFoxResources.com