Aluminum Systems

Aluminum Processing Systems

Aluminum is a silvery-white, soft, nonmagnetic metal. It makes up around 8% of the Earth’s crust and is the third most abundant element known in the universe. Aluminum has many uses, but is so chemically reactive that its native specimen is rarely used, and is usually found in combination with over 270 different minerals. Aluminum is valued for its low density and as well as its resistance to corrosion. It is often used in the aerospace, transportation, and building industries because of these important aspects.

The recovery of aluminum through recycling has become a major task within the aluminum industry. Recycling aluminum involves melting the scrap, which requires only 5% of the energy used to initially produce aluminum from ore. Unfortunately, up to 15% of the material is lost as dross, an ash-like oxide. The dross that is produced through aluminum recycling still contains useful quantities of aluminum that can be extracted. When extracted industrially, the process produces aluminum billets as well as waste material. It is the waste that is difficult to manage. It reacts with water and spontaneously ignites when it comes in contact with air. When it comes in contact with damp air, the waste material releases large amount of ammonia gas. Even though these are difficult side effects to deal with, the waste is often used as filler in asphalt and concrete.

As stated previously, aluminum as a variety of uses. The major uses for aluminum metal are in transportation because of its low density, packaging because it is non-toxic, building and construction because of its lightness and resistance to corrosion, electricity related uses because it is highly conductive, machinery and equipment because of its strength, and sometimes currency production because of its low manufacturing cost.

Aluminum creates environmental challenges during the production process. The biggest environmental challenge is the creation of greenhouse gas emissions as a byproduct of processing.  The release of sulfur dioxide during the manufacturing process is one of the causes of acid rain. The ONIX Corporation is often able to help combat these issues with their aluminum systems by reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet sustainable standards.

If you would like to help avoid some of the environmental challenges that processing aluminum causes, The ONIX Corporation may have the solution to your problems. Aluminum can benefit from rotary drying prior to melting. The ONIX Corporation has it in their ability to process numerous co-products to fit your company or industry needs. Our aluminum processing systems can handle numerous materials and co-products that you may not know what to do with. We have the ability to work with materials such as, but not limited to, apple pomace, citrus pomace, sludge, alfalfa, bagasse, coffee grounds, sawdust, aluminum and much more. Our equipment is engineered to fit your specific needs. If you feel that The ONIX Corporation may be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to research more about our alternative fuel systems and aluminum systems, including rotary drum dryers and material handling solutions. Whether dealing with the negative effects of processing aluminum is the solution you are looking for, or something else, it never hurts to give us a call to learn more.