Inside Look at How Scrap Metal Recycling is Processed
Have you ever wondered how scrap metal recycling happens? There is a standard process most commercial recycling plants follow that many of the general public have never been able to witness. Today we’re going to give you a behind the curtain look into how scrap metal is processed.
Metal recycling is an important part of preserving our environment, and it can work wonders if done in the right way. Let's take a look at what you need to know before jumping into this process – from preparing your scrap metals for pickup all the way through how they are rearranged back into a usable form. Who knew something as simple as "Reduce-Reuse-Recycle" could have such intricate workings? Join us in exploring every step along the metal recycling journey.
Recycling Starts with the Preparation of Materials
Ready to clean up those piles of scrap metal? Hold off on the trash can and send them instead to a trustworthy recycling facility. Here in the Phoenix area, of course, we recommend you send the metal material to OERC. To maximize efficiency, separate your metals into ferrous and nonferrous categories first. Ferrous items are composed of iron so come out on top when you wave a magnet over each one.
To achieve optimal returns from a metal recycling program, perform an audit to organize scrap metals into separate categories. By sorting your metals such as copper, aluminum, and steel you can increase the value of each bin; not only boosting profits but helping out facilities in the process.
Get a jump start on collecting scrap metal; it's all around you! Whether at home or the workplace, set aside designated bins to store your collection. Be sure your bins are safe and secure before filling them with metals of any kind.
Material Once Received Here at OERC
Once the facility collects the scrap metal from you, they will begin the sorting process. Although the collection may have been previously sorted by the donator, this is done for quality assurance.
Through a process of judicious disassembly and magnetic repulsion, metals can be isolated from other materials. Plastic is first eliminated before magnets help to distinguish between ferrous and non-ferrous elements - all in the pursuit of recycled excellence.
Metals are carefully sorted by color and weight. For instance, copper has a unique yellowish-red hue while aluminum appears silvery in sheen. In addition, metals can be classified according to purity; for this process, machines use magnets and high-tech sensors like infrared scanning or x-ray technology to determine the cleanliness of each metal type.
Our journey continues to the next stage of scrap metal processing. Here, metals are compressed and reshaped using hydraulic machinery for precise cutting into smaller pieces. By harnessing pressurized fluid through motors in its system, this powerful equipment is equipped with enough force to cut even thick chunks of metal - making it a key piece of technology within our industry!
Material After It Leaves OERC
At this point, the material is packed and ready for distribution to material buyers who will continue the final preparation of the metal to be returned to its raw state.
Want to know more about how that process can look? Continue reading and we’ll fill you in! After the material is received and any packaging for shipping removed, the material would normally be melted down.
To prepare the metal for melting, it is put through a process of being broken down into tiny pieces. This shredding strategy boosts efficiency in the subsequent stages by creating a larger surface-to-volume ratio that allows more effective and rapid heat absorption during heating.
Purifying metals can be a tricky process, but electrolysis is an effective solution. By passing an electric current through them, the pure metal will go to the cathode while any contaminants are dissolved away - ensuring top-quality results every time.
Melt it Down!
Ancient alchemists and modern scientists alike both have a mysterious power over metals; with just electricity or magnets, they can pluck impurities out of their depths. The anode mud that collects below the impure metal is like treasure revealed when exposed to electric currents - while simple magnetism does wonder for separating lighter metals from heavier ones!
After enduring extreme temperatures, the molten metals are finally ready for their next journey! As part of this process, specialized chemicals are added to create desired properties. To ensure each piece is solidified properly and has a uniform shape and density - they undergo baling which compacts them into blocks or sheets depending on requirements. Finally, these pieces make it out of production centers so manufacturers can transform them into new products that will serve various purposes around the world.
After the metals have gone through a rigorous purification process, they are ready to be used in all sorts of innovative products. Delivered by truck directly from the refinery, manufacturers can utilize these metals and craft creations ranging from cooking appliances to consumer electronics! Sold once again back into society’s hands - it’s an incredible cycle that promises endless possibilities and opportunities for those willing to take them on.