Scrap Metal Processing - Frequently Asked Questions

With scrap metal processing, you'll maximize your return on investment by getting the most out of your metal. Find out how with Applied Recovery Systems and get the answers you need by reading the following questions frequently asked regarding scrap metal processing, briquetting and briquetting presses.

Why are briquettes more valuable than scrap metal chips?
Is a binder required to hold the briquette together?
Can I get a sample of my chips briquetted?
How do I know if a briquetter is right for my company?
Can I use the coolant that is pressed out directly in my machine tools?
Is liquid trapped in the briquettes?
What is the typical volume reduction?
What materials can be briquetted?
What type of maintenance is required on this type of metal material process equipment?
Can Applied Recovery Systems provide buyers for briquettes?
Is there both national and international representation for Applied Recovery Systems?

Q: Why are briquettes more valuable than scrap metal chips?

By processing scrap metal into briquettes, they have a greater yield when recycled. Briquettes have several advantages for the melter (foundry or smelter) that translate into more value. These advantages include:

Removing and containing your coolant onsite increases the value of the metal in compact form. The processor adds labor, transportation, or disposal fees for removing the coolant.
Less surface area to oxidize and become slag. More than 85% of the briquette is submerged in the melt bath so the material does not have a chance to become slag. This typically produces yields up to 96% versus 45% to 90% for clean and dry turnings.
Briquettes are drier than chips from a chip wringer. When chips from even the best wringer are briquetted, there is still liquid to be pressed from the chips. Less liquid results in more value to the melter.
Briquettes are easier to handle both in transporting to the furnace and once in the furnace. It is easier to pick up blocks rather than chips. Handling losses are lessened. In many cases, because chips are light they can be pulled to the bag house rather than into the melt bath.

Q: Is a binder required to hold the briquette together?

For most metals no binder is required to hold the briquette together. The briquette is produced with such force that the metal itself combines with the neighboring metal particles. There are a few "brittle" alloys that require a binder since the material breaks rather than yields. This is most common when processing nickel alloys.

Q: Can I get a sample of my chips briquetted?

Yes. By sending a five (5) gallon sample to Applied Recovery Systems, Inc. freight pre-paid along with an MSDS on the material, we'll run your material through our testing process. We'll prepare a proper Return On Investment analysis and a quote for the required scrap metal processing equipment whether your application is automotive metal stamping, metal casting or cutting, fabricating, finishing, or recycling. Applied Recovery Systems, Inc. processes 20 to 30 samples of scrap metal per month in this way at no charge. Larger samples, up to 40,000 pounds may be processed for a nominal fee.

Q: How do I know if a briquetter is right for my company?

Companies briquette their scrap metals for several reasons:

Economic payback. Since most briquetted scrap metal is more valuable than turnings and chips, briquetting often provides a new source of revenue. By answering a few questions, we can help you determine if the economic payback will justify purchasing ARS scrap metal processing equipment. Often, the payback is less than 18 months and sometimes as little as 3 months. A general rule of thumb is that if you know your company is generating at least 200 pounds of chips/turnings per hour of aluminum, Ti, brass, copper, steel, cast iron etc...then it is a project worth investigating. NOTE** Check your scrap volumes - sometimes it's higher than you think! To start this process fill out the ROI form.
Coolant Recovery. Scrap metal typically carries 20% to 30% of its weight in coolant which costs the company money to replenish. This adds to the cost of transporting your metal. In addition to the cost, there is a potential liability associated with the shipment of coolant laden chips. Many company's justification for the cost of ARS scrap metal processing equipment is based primarily on coolant recovery. Help your scrap processor out as well by relieving him of his duties to remove and dispose of the coolant.
Scrap Accountability. When scrap metal is briquetted it is easier to determine the true weight of the scrap metal in comparison to determining the weight of chips. Additionally, the producer knows the moisture content and can in most cases eliminate deductions for moisture. While most scrap processors are fair, discrepancies can range from a 10% shortage to as much as 67%.

Q: Can I use the coolant that is pressed out directly in my machine tools?

Not without additional processing. The coolant will contain small particles of the metal along with machine tool oil. Applied Recovery Systems, Inc. can provide you with a cost effective filtration and oil coalescing system with your metal extrusion process equipment, which will prepare the coolant for re-use. These compact units remove the suspended solids and oils in a highly effective separations process and pump the fluid to your coolant storage tanks for re-use. Examples of these systems can be seen on the Coolant Recovery page.

Q: Is liquid trapped in the briquettes?

The liquid is pressed out of the chips to the surface of the briquette. These briquettes are successfully being melted by smelters around the world without fear of trapped moisture.

Q: What is the typical volume reduction?

By processing scrap metal into briquettes, the volume reduction will vary depending on the length of the material and the type of chip. Typically the reduction is in the 8 to 1 range, but can be as high as 45 to 1 and as low as 3 to 1 depending on the size of the material to be processed.

Q: What materials can be briquetted?

To date Applied Recovery Systems has projects briquetting the following materials:

Aluminum turnings and chips
Aluminum clips from stampings
Aluminum atomized powder
Brass turnings and chips
Cast iron borings
Copper chips from machining
Copper wire from copper wire chopping lines
Grinding swarf
Magnesium turnings
Polycarbonate
Stainless steel chips
Steel chips
Tire wire
Titanium chips and turnings

Q: What type of maintenance is required on this type of metal process equipment?

As standard on all hydraulic equipment, hoses, fittings, and o-rings need to be checked on a regular basis. Lubrication of the machine components is done as necessary as well. When the integrity of the briquettes drops down, it may indicate that the tooling has worn and is due for a replacement. On a standard 1-shift operation, this tooling switch out is annual to biannual dependent upon the metal. As shift time increase, so too could the amount of changes in tooling. All tooling is manufactured and stocked at our plant in Waco, Texas.

Q: Can Applied Recovery Systems provide buyers for briquettes?

We have established rapport with a number of reputable buyers and sellers of scrap metal. In most cases we have contacts willing to bid on your metal briquettes. If we do not have someone direct, we will offer direction as to where to turn for this option. Don't forget your current recycler though - they have an advantage in having the metal compressed as well.

Q: Is there representation, both national and international, for Applied Recovery Systems?

We have both national and international sales representatives. When selling to an "uncovered" market, we can and have done everything possible to ensure the distance does not significantly contribute to delayed support.

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