Use of cryogenics in scrap processing

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Adv. Cryog. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6746408

Bilbrey, Jr, J H; Valdez, E G

It has long been known that many materials become brittle at low temperatures. A substantial amount of research has been conducted during the past thirty-five years to determine the ductile-brittle transition temperature of many metals and alloys intended for low-temperature service. However, the application of low temperatures to scrap processing has taken place only in the past few years. A number of investigations, from laboratory to pilot-plant scale, have indicated that cryogenic processing could have numerous applications in both ferrous- and nonferrous-scrap handling if the processing could be made economical. A description is given of research expended on nonferrous metal concentrates from auto shredder nonmagnetic residues, and on insulated copper wire. Some tests have also been run on small motors and generators, automobile tires, and plastics. Test results show that cryogenic processing can be used to obtain nearly complete separation of copper and insulation from scrap wire. Good separation of zinc from the copper and aluminum components of nonferrous concentrates from automobile shredder nonmagnetic residues can be achieved by cryogenic processing.

• Research Organization: Bureau of Mines, Salt Lake City
• OSTI ID: 6746408
• Journal Information: Adv. Cryog. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: Adv. Cryog. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 20; ISSN ACYEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320305 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Industrial Waste Management
320604* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Municipalities & Community Systems-- Municipal Waste Management-- (1980-)
42 ENGINEERING
420900 -- Engineering-- Waste Processing Plants & Equipment-- (-1989)
AUTOMOBILES
CABLES
CONDUCTOR DEVICES
COPPER
CRYOGENIC FLUIDS
CRYOGENICS
ELECTRIC CABLES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELEMENTS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS RECOVERY
METALS
NITROGEN
NONMETALS
PROCESSING
RECOVERY
RECYCLING
SCRAP METALS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLID WASTES
TESTING
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VEHICLES
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE PROCESSING
WASTES
ZINC