1. Project Overview

Proses Makina has reached an important milestone in its international engineering activities with the development of a high-capacity catalytic converter recycling plant in Spain. Following approximately 18 months of research, engineering, manufacturing, integration and on-site implementation, the facility has entered the testing and commissioning phase.

The project focuses on industrial-scale recycling of spent automotive catalytic converters containing valuable Platinum Group Metals (PGMs), including platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and rhodium (Rh).

From the earliest stages of chemical process development to technical engineering, laboratory investigations, prototype manufacturing, equipment production, system integration and on-site installation, the project has involved a comprehensive industrial technology development process.

A multidisciplinary team of 24 professionals contributed to the project, combining scientific understanding, engineering knowledge, manufacturing experience and practical field expertise.

The Spain project represents an important step in Proses Makina’s ongoing development of industrial recycling technologies and integrated precious metal recovery solutions.

2. Building on Experience from Previous International Projects

The development of the catalytic converter recycling facility in Spain was supported by Proses Makina’s accumulated engineering knowledge and experience from previous national and international projects.

Over the years, our engineering teams have gained valuable experience in precious metal recovery, industrial process development, equipment manufacturing, recycling plant engineering and international field implementation.

Technical challenges encountered during earlier projects, together with the solutions developed through practical engineering work, provided an important foundation for the planning and execution of the Spain project.

Previous experience helped our team evaluate technical requirements, identify potential engineering challenges and consider practical solutions during the early stages of development.

Rather than approaching each project as an isolated assignment, Proses Makina continuously transfers its accumulated knowledge into new engineering applications. This approach supports technical improvement, more informed decision-making and the development of increasingly advanced industrial recycling solutions.

The Spain project benefited from this established experience while also creating new opportunities for engineering development and organizational growth.

3. Integrating Scientific Research and Experimental Findings into Industrial Engineering

Scientific research, technical literature, laboratory investigations and experimental evaluations formed an important foundation for the engineering development activities undertaken during the Spain project.

The recovery of platinum, palladium and rhodium from spent catalytic converters requires a detailed understanding of chemical reactions, material characteristics, separation technologies and process operating conditions.

During the development process, scientific findings and technical knowledge were evaluated alongside experimental observations and practical engineering requirements.

Laboratory investigations provided information relevant to chemical process behavior, feedstock characteristics and the technical requirements associated with precious metal recovery.

These findings supported engineering evaluations and contributed to the development of processing concepts intended for industrial-scale implementation.

One of the important objectives was to establish a connection between scientific understanding and practical industrial engineering. This required considering not only chemical processing principles but also equipment requirements, operational safety, system integration and long-term maintainability.

The combination of scientific research, experimental findings and accumulated engineering experience represents an important element of Proses Makina’s technology development approach.

4. Chemical Process Development and Research

The project began with chemical process development activities focused on the recovery of valuable Platinum Group Metals from spent automotive catalytic converter materials.

Catalytic converters contain complex material structures, and the recovery of platinum, palladium and rhodium requires careful consideration of feedstock composition, chemical process conditions and separation requirements.

During this initial phase, the engineering team evaluated the technical requirements of the intended recovery processes and examined how chemical processing concepts could be adapted to industrial operating conditions.

The development activities considered the relationship between raw material characteristics, reaction behavior, process requirements and the integration of chemical processing stages into an industrial facility.

Previous project experience and scientific research findings were incorporated into these evaluations to support the development of an engineering approach suited to the project’s requirements.

An important objective was to establish a technical foundation that could support subsequent laboratory testing, prototype development and full-scale equipment engineering.

This early development phase played a significant role in shaping the direction of the project and preparing the engineering team for the following design and testing stages.

5. Engineering Design and Technical Drawings

Following the initial chemical development activities, the project progressed into detailed engineering design and technical drawing preparation.

This phase focused on transforming the process requirements into practical mechanical and industrial engineering solutions.

Engineering activities included evaluating process flow requirements, preparing technical drawings, developing equipment configurations, planning the plant layout and defining the relationships between different processing systems.

Particular attention was given to equipment accessibility, maintenance requirements, material handling, operational safety and the compatibility of individual components within the overall facility.

The engineering team also considered the technical requirements associated with installing and operating a high-capacity recycling facility under industrial conditions.

Technical drawings and engineering evaluations provided a structured framework for subsequent prototype development and equipment manufacturing.

By integrating chemical process requirements with mechanical engineering considerations, the project team established a foundation for the coordinated development of the facility.

6. Initial Laboratory Testing and Raw Material Evaluation

Laboratory testing and raw material evaluation represented an important stage in the early development of the Spain catalytic converter recycling project.

Spent automotive catalytic converters can differ significantly in their physical characteristics, material composition and precious metal content. These differences must be considered when developing industrial recycling and recovery technologies.

The initial testing activities focused on examining feedstock characteristics, evaluating chemical process behavior and collecting technical information relevant to engineering decisions.

Experimental observations supported the assessment of process requirements and provided valuable information for the development of subsequent engineering solutions.

The testing phase also helped the team evaluate how variations in raw material characteristics could influence processing requirements and system design considerations.

Results obtained during the laboratory development stage contributed to the planning of prototype activities and the refinement of the overall engineering approach.

This connection between experimental evaluation and practical engineering formed an important part of the project’s development methodology.

7. From Laboratory Research to Industrial-Scale Implementation

One of the most important engineering challenges of the Spain project was transferring laboratory research and experimental findings toward industrial-scale implementation.

Processes evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions require additional engineering assessment before they can be applied within high-capacity industrial facilities.

This transition involves considering equipment sizing, material flow, operational continuity, process control, mechanical integration, maintenance requirements and industrial safety.

For this reason, the engineering team evaluated the laboratory findings together with the practical requirements of the intended recycling facility.

The relationship between chemical processing conditions and mechanical system requirements was an important consideration throughout the development process.

Findings from early research and testing activities were incorporated into prototype development and equipment engineering evaluations.

The transition from laboratory research to industrial application provided valuable technical experience and contributed to the development of Proses Makina’s large-scale process engineering capabilities.

8. Prototype Development and Technical Validation

Following the initial research, chemical development and laboratory testing activities, the project progressed into prototype development.

The purpose of this stage was to evaluate engineering concepts under more representative operating conditions before proceeding toward full-scale industrial manufacturing.

Prototype development involved reviewing equipment configurations, mechanical arrangements, process integration requirements and operational considerations.

The engineering team assessed how the proposed systems could function as part of a larger industrial recycling facility.

Technical observations obtained during prototype activities provided valuable input for refining equipment designs and evaluating system compatibility.

This phase also supported the identification of engineering considerations that needed to be addressed before the manufacturing and integration stages.

The prototype development process represented an important connection between experimental research and the physical implementation of industrial recycling technologies.

9. Industrial Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing

Following prototype development and technical evaluation, the project progressed to machinery and equipment manufacturing.

The manufacturing process required coordination between engineering designs, process requirements, material selection, mechanical assembly considerations and industrial operating conditions.

For high-capacity catalytic converter recycling facilities, equipment reliability, maintainability and system compatibility are essential engineering considerations.

Throughout this stage, Proses Makina’s engineering and implementation teams coordinated technical requirements to support the integration of manufactured equipment into the overall plant configuration.

Manufacturing activities were approached as part of a broader engineering process in which individual equipment components needed to meet the requirements of an integrated industrial facility.

The experience gained from previous manufacturing projects also contributed to technical evaluations and practical decision-making during this stage.

The manufacturing phase represented a significant transition from engineering development and prototype activities to physical industrial implementation.

10. System Assembly and Process Integration

After the manufacturing stage, the project progressed into system assembly and process integration.

Individual machines, equipment assemblies and processing components were brought together according to the technical requirements of the facility.

Integration activities involved evaluating mechanical interfaces, equipment positioning, process connections and the relationships between different operating systems.

One of the important engineering considerations was ensuring that individual components could function as parts of a coordinated industrial process rather than as independent machines.

The engineering team also reviewed the practical requirements associated with installation, accessibility, maintenance and future operating conditions.

System integration provided an opportunity to assess technical compatibility and prepare the equipment for the subsequent on-site installation phase.

This stage demonstrated the importance of multidisciplinary coordination between process engineering, mechanical design, manufacturing and field implementation teams.

11. On-Site Installation and Field Implementation in Spain

Following manufacturing and system integration activities, the project progressed to the installation stage at the facility location in Spain.

On-site implementation included equipment positioning, mechanical installation, system connections and integration with the existing plant infrastructure.

International industrial installation projects require careful coordination between engineering teams, field personnel, project management and site-specific operational requirements.

Throughout this stage, Proses Makina’s specialists worked on transferring engineering plans and manufacturing outcomes into an installed industrial facility.

The implementation process required continuous communication between different technical disciplines and practical assessment of installation requirements.

Experience gained from previous international projects contributed to the team’s approach to site coordination, technical problem-solving and project execution.

The installation stage represented a major milestone in the transition from engineering development and equipment manufacturing to plant testing and commissioning.

12. Plant Testing, Feedstock Trials and Commissioning

The catalytic converter recycling facility in Spain is currently undergoing testing and commissioning activities.

This stage focuses on evaluating the installed systems under plant conditions and preparing the facility for its intended industrial operations.

Commissioning activities encompass several important technical areas, including mechanical system checks, equipment integration verification, operational readiness assessments and feedstock testing.

Mechanical and System Verification

Mechanical verification activities focus on evaluating equipment operation, system connections, mechanical compatibility and the readiness of installed components for coordinated operation.

Raw Material and Feedstock Testing

Feedstock trials are an important part of catalytic converter recycling plant development because raw material characteristics can influence processing behavior and operational requirements.

Testing activities support the evaluation of system behavior under different material conditions and provide information relevant to process adjustments and operational preparation.

Process Evaluation and Operational Preparation

Process evaluation activities focus on assessing the interaction between different processing stages and preparing the facility for its intended operating conditions.

Technical observations collected during commissioning contribute to the identification of necessary adjustments and the refinement of operating procedures.

Final Performance Verification

Final processing capacity, operating performance and precious metal recovery results will be assessed following the completion of the relevant testing and verification activities.

The commissioning phase represents an important final stage in the transition from industrial plant development to operational readiness.

13. An 18-Month Engineering Project Involving 24 Professionals

One of the defining characteristics of the Spain project has been the scale and diversity of its multidisciplinary engineering and implementation team.

A total of 24 professionals contributed to the project over approximately 18 months, bringing together different technical disciplines and areas of expertise.

• 2 Project Managers: Responsible for project planning, coordination, resource management, scheduling and execution oversight.
• 8 Engineers: Contributing to chemical process development, technical engineering, equipment design, system evaluation and integration activities.
• 10 Field Implementation Specialists: Supporting manufacturing, mechanical assembly, equipment installation and on-site technical implementation.
• 2 Testing Specialists: Contributing to laboratory testing, technical verification, feedstock trials and commissioning preparation.
• 1 Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: Supporting workplace risk assessment, occupational safety coordination and safe working practices.
• 1 IT and Software Specialist: Providing technical support for the project’s information technology and software-related requirements.

The collaboration between these disciplines played an important role in coordinating the different stages of project development.

Over the course of approximately 18 months, the project team worked through research, engineering, testing, manufacturing, integration and installation activities.

This multidisciplinary structure also encouraged knowledge sharing, technical problem-solving and continuous communication between engineering and implementation teams.

14. Engineering Knowledge, Experience and New Capabilities Gained

While the Spain project benefited from Proses Makina’s previous engineering experience, it also created important opportunities for further technical and organizational development.

Throughout approximately 18 months of project execution, our team gained additional experience in chemical process development, prototype implementation, high-capacity system integration, international field coordination and commissioning preparation.

One of the most valuable aspects of the project was the opportunity to connect scientific research and experimental observations with the practical requirements of industrial-scale engineering.

The project also strengthened collaboration between different technical disciplines, encouraging engineers, implementation specialists and testing personnel to evaluate challenges through a coordinated approach.

Experience gained during manufacturing, integration and installation activities contributed to the development of practical engineering knowledge and project execution capabilities.

The technical and organizational knowledge developed throughout the project will support Proses Makina’s approach to future industrial recycling and precious metal recovery facilities.

For our company, the Spain project represents not only the implementation of an advanced recycling facility but also an important stage in the continuous development of our engineering expertise.

15. Supporting the Future of Industrial Recycling Technologies

The Spain catalytic converter recycling project represents an important step in Proses Makina’s continued development of advanced industrial recycling technologies.

The experience gained through scientific research, chemical process development, laboratory testing, prototype engineering, equipment manufacturing and international field implementation provides a valuable foundation for future projects.

Proses Makina continues to develop engineering and manufacturing solutions for catalytic converter recycling, Platinum Group Metal recovery, precious metal refining, electronic waste recycling and industrial metal recovery applications.

Our engineering approach combines accumulated project experience, scientific understanding, technical development, manufacturing capabilities and practical implementation knowledge.

By integrating the lessons learned from previous projects with new research and engineering activities, we aim to continuously strengthen our technical capabilities and develop solutions for increasingly demanding industrial applications.

As the Spain facility progresses through testing and commissioning, the project continues to represent an important milestone in our international engineering journey.

16. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the catalytic converter recycling plant project in Spain?

It is a high-capacity industrial catalytic converter recycling facility project undertaken by Proses Makina in Spain. The project covers chemical process development, engineering, prototype development, equipment manufacturing, installation and commissioning.

How long has the Spain catalytic converter recycling project taken?

The project has involved approximately 18 months of engineering development, manufacturing, integration and on-site implementation. The facility is currently in the testing and commissioning stage.

How many specialists worked on the Spain recycling project?

A multidisciplinary team of 24 professionals contributed to the project, including 2 project managers, 8 engineers, 10 field implementation specialists, 2 testing specialists, 1 occupational health and safety specialist and 1 IT and software specialist.

Which precious metals are associated with catalytic converter recycling?

Spent automotive catalytic converters can contain platinum, palladium and rhodium. These Platinum Group Metals are valuable materials targeted by specialized recycling and recovery technologies.

What engineering stages were involved in the project?

The project included scientific research, chemical process development, technical drawings, laboratory testing, prototype development, industrial machinery manufacturing, system integration, on-site installation, feedstock trials and commissioning.

What role did previous project experience play in the Spain facility?

Proses Makina applied engineering knowledge and practical experience gained from previous national and international projects to support technical planning, process development, equipment engineering and project implementation.

How were scientific research and laboratory findings used?

Scientific research, experimental observations and laboratory evaluations supported the assessment of chemical processing requirements and contributed to engineering decisions during prototype development and industrial-scale implementation.

What is the current status of the Spain project?

The facility is currently undergoing testing and commissioning. Final operating performance and recovery results will be assessed after the relevant verification activities are completed.

Does Proses Makina develop turnkey recycling plant solutions?

Proses Makina provides engineering, equipment manufacturing and integrated solutions for industrial recycling and precious metal recovery projects. Project scope is defined according to technical requirements and customer needs.

17. Start Your Recycling Project with Proses Makina

Are you planning a catalytic converter recycling plant, PGM recovery facility or industrial precious metal processing project?

Proses Makina combines engineering experience, scientific understanding, technical development, equipment manufacturing and practical project implementation capabilities to support industrial recycling requirements.

Contact our engineering team to discuss your processing objectives, technical requirements and industrial recycling project needs.

Contact Proses Makina

Proses Makina — Engineering, Manufacturing & Turnkey Recycling Solutions