Iron scrap processing
In this article, we try to discuss the processing of scrap iron so that people who intend to enter the profession, become relatively familiar with it. But before that, let’s look at the concept of processing.
What is meant by waste processing?
As you know, both metal and non-metal wastes are stored in warehouses or sheds and operations are performed on them to be prepared for optimal and reuse. Regarding iron waste, it should be said that this type of waste can be processed many times without losing its quality. The steel industry accounts for the largest amount of waste and recycled materials, which are returned to the production cycle by processing.
What is the difference between processing and recycling?
Waste recycling is the process by which final products are produced and used. In fact, processed waste is used as a raw material in recycling. This means that processing is a pre-recycling step.
One of the main reasons for processing waste, especially scrap metal, is that it significantly reduces energy consumption. Consumption of various fossil fuels today has led to the production of large volumes of greenhouse gases and the occurrence of climate change. Experts believe that the consumption of these fuels should be minimized or a suitable alternative should be found for them.
Naturally, increasing fuel consumption also means increasing costs. The development of industry and further production is another reason that justifies the processing of waste. Saving on the use of natural resources as well as environmental considerations should also be included in this list.
In addition, when waste is processed, it is welcomed by factories and consumer industries and has a higher economic value.
Importance of ferrous waste processing
How to process ferrous scrap
In the processing of scrap metal, different elements are actually separated. In terms of different industries, some elements are useful and some are useless. Non-useful materials include materials or alloys that are undesirable in the composition of the waste and are not used in the recycling process. But useful elements include materials that can be used in recycling. The point to be made in this regard is that in addition to separating useless elements in some cases, useful elements may also be added.
Useless impurities are not always easily separated. That’s why there are so many ways to do this. Another common method used in the processing of scrap metal is to reduce the density of the waste. Low-density metal scrap is compacted into high-density cubes. Hydraulic press machine is used for this purpose. Heavy waste is also divided into smaller pieces.
1- Pressing method
One of the most common methods of processing metal scrap is pressing it. This type of processing is also done on paper and cardboard. As the name implies, the waste is compacted. To make transportation and transportation easier and take up less space. The press is basically a machine that can deform scraps and wastes without removing chips from their surface. The same process takes place in scrapping used cars.
Many factories do not accept pressed cargo, including pumice, explosives such as gas canisters, picnic tanks, and boilers. Therefore, it should be noted that this should not be done out of ignorance or just to increase the weight of the load. Because they may consider the total weight of the load as zero.
2- Schrader line
Processing of scrap metal can also be done with the help of shredders or shredders. It should be noted that the use of these devices causes homogeneous and high quality waste to be produced, so that they will have the least pollution. On the other hand, problems such as the explosion of explosive capsules that may exist in the pressing method no longer exist in this method. In addition to crushing waste and scrap, the shredder also compresses, washes and separates them. A variety of these devices are designed and manufactured.
3- Making briquettes from iron pleats
Iron chips or pleats are converted into briquettes with the help of compression technology, thus protecting them from oxidation. This increases both the density and the resistance of these pleats. Thus, the final product of their density reaches 0.8 to 1 ton per cubic meter.
4- Using air cutting
Some scrap metal that is thick or heavy is cut with the help of an air blower. This method is also called burning. Oxygen and propane gases combine with the help of an air burner to produce a very precise flame. This flame is so hot that it can melt steel as well. During this process, the elements that are not applicable to the consumer factories are removed and the scrap is cut to the desired size.
5- Scissors scraping
There is another type of waste processing machine and equipment that can be used to cut any type of thick and bulky metal cross section. These devices do exactly the same thing as scissors. That’s why this processing method is known as scissors. A quick method that also helps maintain the weight of the material. Waste such as train cars, ships and planes can also be processed in this way.