How Is Aluminium Recycled?

Summary

This video highlights a groundbreaking recycling process at Hydro Aluminum Recycling in Dagan, where engineers have developed innovative technology to recycle aluminum window frames without adding primary aluminum. Through advanced shredding, sorting, and x-ray technology, aluminum alloys are separated, minimizing energy usage and reducing CO2 emissions. The process not only supports the creation of high-quality, recycled aluminum for the production of window frames but also conserves material and energy, contributing to environmental protection. This innovative system, supported by the German environment ministry, paves the way for a sustainable circular economy in the metal industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Engineers at Hydro Aluminum Recycling are working to create a circular flow for aluminum, transforming old window frames into new products with minimal waste.
• 😀 Every year, 36,000 tons of aluminum window frames are recycled, with the goal of making new window frames without additional primary aluminum.
• 😀 The challenge lies in separating different aluminum alloys, which were previously difficult to recycle due to their complexity.
• 😀 Traditional recycling required adding primary aluminum to make new products, but this process is energy-intensive and wasteful.
• 😀 The new recycling facility in Dagan separates unwanted materials, including plastics and metals, to create high-quality aluminum alloys for new window frames.
• 😀 The process includes using shears and shredders, followed by advanced x-ray machines to sort aluminum alloys with high precision.
• 😀 A special x-ray machine uses radiation to detect unwanted alloys, such as those with high copper or zinc content, ensuring only suitable material is used.
• 😀 This innovative technology enables the recycling of 30,000 tons of valuable 6060 aluminum alloy each year, used specifically for window frame production.
• 😀 The Hydro Aluminum Company produces high-quality billets from the recycled aluminum, with minimal primary aluminum added, reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
• 😀 The German Environment Ministry supports this technology as part of a broader effort to reduce CO2 emissions, with this system preventing over 200,000 tons of CO2 annually.

Q & A

What is the main goal of Hydro Aluminum Recycling's facility in Dagan?

The main goal is to recycle aluminum window frames by separating plastics, other metals, and heavy metal alloys, making it possible to reuse the material without the need for additional primary aluminum.

Why is recycling aluminum challenging, and how is it addressed in this process?

Recycling aluminum is challenging because aluminum is made up of various alloys that are difficult to separate. The new process developed in Dagan uses advanced shredding, sorting, and X-ray technology to effectively separate and refine these alloys.

How does the shredding process work in the facility?

The shredding process involves two phases. The first shredder cuts the aluminum frames, and magnetic and Eddy current separators extract other materials like metal screws, rubber, and plastics. The second shredder prepares the material for optimal sorting using X-ray technology.

What is the role of the X-ray machine in the recycling process?

The X-ray machine helps sort out unsuitable aluminum alloys containing heavy metals like copper and zinc. It works by analyzing the amount of radiation passing through the material, distinguishing between different alloys.

How does the sorting unit work to separate unsuitable materials?

The sorting unit uses pressurized air jets that blow off unsuitable materials based on the data from the X-ray analysis. This allows for the separation of heavy metal alloys and other contaminants from the recycled aluminum.

What is the significance of the German Environmental Ministry's support for this project?

The support from the German Environmental Ministry’s Environmental Innovation Program helped fund the development of the innovative recycling technology. It encourages small firms that focus on environmental protection and technological advancement.

What aluminum alloy is primarily produced at the facility, and what is its use?

The facility primarily produces aluminum alloy 6060, which is widely used in the production of window frames. This alloy is easily recycled and has high market demand.

How much aluminum can be recycled annually at the Dagan facility?

The Dagan facility can recycle 30,000 tons of aluminum alloy 6060 annually.

What are the environmental benefits of this recycling process?

The recycling process significantly reduces the need for primary aluminum, saving energy and materials. It contributes to a CO2 reduction of over 200,000 tons per year, making it a key technology for environmental conservation.

What future improvements are being considered for the recycling process?

The engineers in Dagan are working to further refine the process by separating alloys that are free of heavy metals, aiming for a more sustainable and efficient recycling system.