Inopsys • metals

metal removal & recovery.

Inopsys recycles precious metals from liquids. A large part of these liquids originates from reactions based on homogeneous precious metal catalysts, used in pharmaceutical and (fine) chemical industry. We have developed multiple on-site solutions for the recovery of different metals: Pd, Pt, Zn, V, … out of aqueous and pure solvent (side)streams. At Inopsys we believe circular chemistry can save the world.

Our solution avoids transport and incineration of the metal containing side stream. This results in no handling and reduced CO2 footprint for our customers. Metals are recovered, refined, and reused as catalyst. Value is created and costs are reduced. Our units are modular and mobile. We provide the solution CAPEX free and via a full DBFOM model.

case 1: homogeneous catalysts recovery.

Homogeneous precious metals catalysts are organometallic complexes which are dissolved in the reaction mixture. These catalysts are increasingly used thanks to their specific features, like selectivity and activity, which enable new chemistries.

After the reaction the catalysts end up in the waste liquid phases (water & solvent) where they may degrade or decompose. These liquids typically have complex compositions and may be flammable, toxic, or corrosive and are often considered hazardous waste.

The customer, Ajinomoto Biopharma Services, is a pioneering leader in pharmaceutical fine chemicals, their facilities are focused on process and analytical development in support of manufacturing of small molecule APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) and intermediates.

Ajinomoto Biopharma Services produces an organic compound for one of their multinational customers. During the production process an aqueous and solvent based side stream is created, containing a homogeneous precious metal catalyst Pd. A substantial amount of Pd is present in both streams. InOpSys developed an on-site solution for the removal and recovery of the Pd out of both streams.

case 2: removal & recovery of zinc.

Certain metals that are used as a catalyst (e.g. Zn, V, …) have an impact on the environment if discharged. Side streams containing these catalysts are considered hazardous and are transported and incinerated.

Janssen Pharmaceutica is a leading pharmaceutical company within the Johnson & Johnson group, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of healthcare products serving the consumer, medical devices & diagnostics and pharmaceutical markets. In Geel APIs are produced by way of chemical synthesis. Starting from raw materials, solvents and drug precursors, active molecules are built.

Zinc is used as a catalyst during manufacturing of a specific active compound. This metal is not consumed in the reaction and creates a hazardous side stream. In the past, this stream had to be incinerated offsite. But INOPSYS now extracts the zinc and has it recycled into metallic zinc by one of the project partners. The rest of the process stream is treated at the water treatment plant on the Janssen site. Thus, the project closed two material loops: zinc and water. In 2018 this project won the Belgian Business Award for the Environment.

On top of a significant cost decrease of 30%, this project resulted in an increase of sustainability. 100 ton zinc is yearly recovered. The on-site treatment avoids transport and incineration and more than 100 ton CO2 reduction is achieved.