Steel is the most popular metal that is used worldwide for recycle. Stainless steel scraps are used to manufacture essential tools, large construction equipment and machinery, galvanized steel basing, and structural beams for architectural purposes. It has a recycling rate of 86%, does that make you wonder why it is the most popular metallurgical metal. The answer is quite straightforward; steel is the most durable metal that has a great tensile strength. It is shock proof and can resist any potential tension. It does not melt in elevated temperature and remains efficient to use.
3 Key Features of Steel Recycling:
Great Strength: Steel scraps are tough and can withstand regular wear and tear. The lattice geometry, formed by the atoms of the metal, enhances its strength. The surface hardness greatly affects the wear resistance of a material. The exceptional strength of the metal makes it the first choice for various construction works. The metallurgical property makes it easily repairable and ductile. If you can control the hardness of the material, it will optimize the material properties.
Corrosion Resistant: Stainless or galvanized steel is used to protect from corrosion. Corrosion is mostly caused when the mental gets oxidized or has a chemical reaction, when exposed to moisture or humidity in the atmosphere. The extreme temperature resistance makes it an ideal choice for prefabrication and mass production. Galvanized steel provides corrosion resistance through a thin layer of zinc coating which bonds with the iron. However, proper maintenance can deter the effects of corrosion.
Greater Flexibility: It has great work-ability and can be reused after they disassemble the structure. The steel scraps can be blended or formed and recycled easily. The use of coated steel for structures, roofing and wall cladding is much in vogue. What makes steel a versatile material is its durability and economical value in constructing flexible designs with steel.
The Steel Recycling Process:
Steel can be recycled several times, without losing its properties. Steel Recycling results in 80 percent less carbon dioxide than producing new steel. It is ideal for many businesses due to the reduced carbon footprint. Approximately, recycling one ton of steel conserves 6 gallons of oil, 4 cubic feet of landfill space, and close to 11 million BTU of energy. This is the reason why lately the companies are going for steel recycling and are using this metal more than any other ones present out there. Read about the process of steel recycling below:
Collection of Scrap Metal: The first step is assembling the metal scraps. These steel scraps are collected by using a magnet to separate them from the entire lot. The quality of the finished product is directly proportionate to the quality of scraps collected. The material of the metal really counts; the scraps are collected from the yard by the recycling plant.
Sorting the Metal: Next, they use a magnetic tool to separate the recyclable metal from the rest. Steel is a completely recyclable metal; despite the fact it might have some impurities. Impurities in steel can reduce the quality of the finished product. So, it is the duty of the refiner to select the top-notch steel that can be ideal for industrial use.
Compacting and Shredding: Both these stages are crucial for the convenience of recycling. The selected steel is first crushed to reduce its volume. Next, the compact steel blocks are further broken into pieces. The rotating magnetic drum extracts the steel from iron, so as to cut down on carbon dioxide emission.
Heating and Reshaping: The large volumes of shredded metals are melted in a huge furnace. They convert the solid blocks of steel into liquid. Electrolysis, distillation, zone refining, and chromatography are used to purify the molten steel. Finally, the liquid metal is placed in a cooling container to solidify again.
We can conclude by saying that steel is the most obvious choice and will and is opted for various construction, transportation, or manufacturing companies. Its versatility, durability and high efficiency will make it popular in recycle plants to produce diverse products.