Tungsten Scrap

Tungsten (W) scrap and tungsten alloy (W alloy) scrap are high temperature scrap metal and high temperature alloy scrap respectively. The tungsten scrap comes in a myriad of grades and varieties; however all are used for recycling purpose. Through recycling of the scrap, pure tungsten is recovered. The scrap is often melted at high temperature, as high as 3422 degrees Celsius. From different types of scrap, tungsten can be reclaimed. It is also possible to alloy the tungsten scrap with other scrap metals with a motive to generate super alloys.

The demand for high temperature metal and metal alloy is increasing every passing day. And to meet this demand, the tungsten industry heavily relies on the W scrap and W Alloy scrap recycling. According to a study, approx. 30% of tungsten scrap is recycled in a year. Any scrap and waste containing tungsten can be recycled by tungsten processing industry.

The tungsten-containing scrap and waste recycling has become more significant today, because the scrap and waste have more tungsten content in comparison to ore concentrations. Recycling is the only way that companies that require tungsten resources can lower their raw material costs and generate profits. If all the scrap and waste are recycled, it also benefits environment. Reduced land-filled waste and pollutions are the environmental benefits of tungsten scrap recycling.

Uses:

The tungsten obtained from the tungsten scrap can be used as a raw material for the following:

• Transportation
• Machinery & equipment
• Heat and radiation shielding.

Methods:

Here are a few methods of recycling tungsten scrap:

• Hydro Metallurgy: This this tungsten scrap recycling method, chemicals are used for recovering tungsten from scrap. This scrap recovered tungsten is an economical, but effective substitute of tungsten ore concentrates.
• Melting Metallurgy: In this tungsten recycling method, scrap is used in the production of super alloys; cast tungsten carbide, etc.
• Direct Recycling: Physical or chemical means are used for transforming scrap into powder. This process, the actual composition is not changed. Zinc treatment is one of the examples of direct method. This method results in lower production costs, energy efficiency and reduced chemical waste.
• Semi-direct Recycling: Chemical means is used in this method to dissolve one component of scrap, which allows to breakdown the scrap by physical methods.