Platinum thermocouple wire recycling and valuation

Thermocouple wires are essential components used to measure extreme temperatures in industrial and scientific applications. These wires consist of two distinct metals or metal alloys, joined at one end, creating a thermoelectric effect when exposed to temperature differences. The result is a voltage that correlates to temperature.

Platinum thermocouple wires, specifically Types B, R, and S, are among the most reliable and widely used due to their exceptional accuracy, stability, and resistance to high temperatures. These types employ platinum and platinum-rhodium alloys, making them highly valuable and recyclable.

There are many types of thermocouple wires, each with unique properties and applications. At Goldealers, we purchase and recyle thermocouple wire with platinum and platinum-rhodium alloys, including:

• Type B: Comprising platinum and platinum-rhodium (30% Rh) alloys, Type B thermocouples are perfect for high-temperature environments, with a temperature range up to 1,820°C. These wires exhibit excellent durability, even at extreme temperatures.
• Type R: Combining platinum and platinum-rhodium (13% Rh), Type R thermocouples balance sensitivity and robustness. They are ideal for moderately high temperatures, typically operating up to 1,700°C.
• Type S: Similar to Type R, Type S thermocouples use platinum and platinum-rhodium (10% Rh). They are often used in laboratory and industrial settings requiring precise measurements up to 1,600°C.

Each of these thermocouple types has a finite lifespan. Over time, exposure to extreme temperatures and environmental conditions can lead to wear and degradation, requiring replacement.

When thermocouple wires reach the end of their service life, disposing of them, or leaving them in a drawer is not only wasteful but also environmentally detrimental. Platinum, a precious metal, and its alloys used in these wires are finite resources. Recycling these components not only conserves natural resources but also allows you to recover value from worn-out equipment.

Instead of discarding your old thermocouple wires, we offer a sustainable solution: recycling. We purchase scrap platinum thermocouple wire, ensuring it is responsibly processed and repurposed. This approach benefits both the environment and your bottom line.

A thermocouple wire comprises two components: the anode and the cathode. These components are made from different platinum-rhodium alloy compositions, which determine the thermocouple‘s performance and application.

In thermocouple wires, the anode is typically the positive leg and contains a higher percentage of rhodium in the platinum-rhodium alloy. This composition enhances durability and performance at elevated temperatures.

The cathode, or the negative leg, generally has little to no rhodium content, consisting mostly of pure platinum or a lower rhodium percentage. This simpler composition complements the anode‘s properties to produce accurate temperature readings.

The specific alloy compositions of these components directly influence their scrap value, making proper identification and testing essential.

Accurately valuing scrap thermocouple wire is critical for fair compensation and effective recycling. Our testing process involves:

• Separating the Anode and Cathode
  • First, we cut the wire at the junction where the anode and cathode meet. This ensures that both components are clearly identified and individually assessed.
• Using XRF Analysis
  • Next, we employ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy to analyse the composition of each component. XRF is a non-destructive method that provides precise data on the platinum and rhodium content in the anode and cathode.
• Determining value
  • Using our precious metal calculator, once we have identified and weighed your thermocouple wire, we can establish the the precious metal content. We then take the live market prices for Platinum and Rhodium deduct our processing costs and margins provide you with a realtime accurate valuation.

This detailed process ensures transparency and accuracy, enabling us to provide a fair valuation for your scrap thermocouple wire.

Recycling your platinum thermocouple wire offers multiple advantages

• Environmental Conservation: Recycling reduces the need for mining, preserving natural resources and minimising ecological impact.
• Cost Recovery: Recover value from otherwise discarded equipment by selling scrap thermocouple wire.
• Sustainable Industry Practices: Contribute to a circular economy by enabling precious metals to be reused in new applications.

We are committed to providing a seamless and transparent recycling process. By combining advanced testing methods, industry expertise, and competitive pricing, we ensure you receive the maximum value for your scrap thermocouple wire. Our team prioritises sustainability and client satisfaction, making us the trusted choice for platinum thermocouple wire recycling.

If you have scrap platinum thermocouple wire, whether Type B, R, or S, we‘re here to help. Contact us to learn more about our recycling process and receive a no-obligation valuation. Or get an instant and accurate valuation online. Let us turn your worn-out thermocouple wire into cash while contributing to a more sustainable future.