Aluminum-Metal Separation Processes
Steps of aluminum-metal separation processes
Aluminum is a very widely used metal and recycling it is important because it helps preserve natural resources and reduces energy costs. Several processing steps are required to recycle aluminum metal. Here is a general description of aluminum-metal separation processes:
Collection: The first step is to collect used aluminum products and bring them to the recycling facility. These products may include beverage cans, aluminum foil, bicycles, auto parts and more.
Separation: Collected aluminum products must be separated from other metals and contamination. Magnetic separation, electromagnetic separation, vibrating screens and other mechanical processes may be used in this process.
Grinding: Aluminum products are ground and broken into small pieces. This makes the aluminum easier to process later.
Melting: Milled aluminum pieces are melted at high temperature. This process allows aluminum to become pure metal.
Refining: Melted aluminum is refined until it reaches the desired quality and purity level. This step involves cleaning the aluminum from other metals and contaminations.
Casting: Refined aluminum is cast for use in the production of different products. These products may include aluminum sheets, profiles, rods, containers and more.
Productization: Cast aluminum is used in the manufacture of specific products. These products can often be industrial equipment, auto parts, packaging materials, construction materials and many more.
Aluminum-metal separation processes are important in terms of resource conservation, energy saving and environmental sustainability. These processes enable aluminum to be reused and produced into new products, thus preventing the depletion of natural aluminum resources. Additionally, aluminum recycling reduces energy consumption because the production of recycled aluminum requires less energy than ore mining and refining.