Steel Recycling Process EDSGN 100 Xinli Wu Michael Barton, James Dryden, Jacob Schneider, Matt Villani Sponsored by ArcelorMittal
Design Task Primary goal: (from project kick-off presentation) 1.Separate advanced high strength steel (AHSS) from scrap autos 2.Use mix of AHSS and low carbon aluminum-killed (LCAK) scrap to make LCAK heat
Research Research required to familiarize the team with steel recycling – How scrap is processed – How materials are combined to make steel – How different alloys affect steel characteristics – Characteristics of the steel to be sorted (AHSS and LCAK)
Brainstorming Analyzed several potential methods of sorting scrap – Magnetism, density, melting point, eddy currents Research found that optical emissions spectrometry could be used to differentiate between the types of scrap Chosen for being a proven, pre-existing technology
How it works? Optical Emission Spectrometer – Heats up atoms in material – Different elements give off unique frequencies of light – Different frequencies used to determine material
Steps in Process 1.Scrap steel sorted in Optical Emission Spectrometer 1
2. Necessary elements added to basic oxygen furnace. 2
3. Steel is cooled and rolled for shipping. 3