CHARACTERIZATION OF WASTE GENERATED DURING THE FERROUS SCRAP RECYCLING PROCESS IN STEEL WORKS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Scrap metal requires processing in order to achieve the required dimensions, density and removal of impurities before being inserted into the furnaces to become brand new steel. The impurities, called Fluff and Terra don’t have any consolidated applications in Brazil, and are most of the times considered waste. The objective of this study is to further analyze the two heterogeneous residues, by determining the specific amount generated per ton of crude steel produced, per ton of processed scrap, characterization according to NBR 10004:04, particle size analysis, gravimetry for each of the size ranges, chemical analysis and calorific value. The results show that the average generation of waste in relation to the incoming scrap was 22.63% and the specific production from crude steel was 46.61kg/t. For Fluff, it is possible to conclude that that 80.0% of the mass is in the granulometric ranges above 19.5mm, with a predominance of plastics in it’s composition. Meanwhile Terra represents 60.1% in sizes above 4.76mm, with predominance of soil, decomposing materials, followed by plastics. It is now possible to study applications based on the results of the study. Terra, due to it’s soil like composition, can be used as landfill cell cover, it's chemical composition and high concentration of iron oxides, also allow it to be incorporated in ceramic materials. Another possibility, based in it’s physical composition, could be the use in the coprocessing of cement companies, as well the Fluff, which presented calorific power comparable to the other fuel substitute alternatives used in Brazil and concentration 0.06 mg/kg of Chlorine.

Keywords: Scrap. Waste. Fluff. Terra. Reuse.