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The operator a key role in aluminium recycling
285 tons. This is the weight of the aluminium that is recycled every day in Stena Aluminium's smelter in Älmhult, Sweden. Frying pans, car parts, bottle caps and other aluminium scrap are melted down and cast into new raw materials, ready to be reused in the manufacture of new products. The process is complicated. Oskar Rundberg has been working as an operator for a year but still has a lot to learn.
“It takes years to learn how to manage all the elements of the process. I learn something new every day. I'm curious so it suits me. I also like that you are encouraged to come up with ideas for improvements,” says Oskar Rundberg.
Aluminium is a versatile material with properties that allow it to be used in many different products, from foil to vehicles. It is easy to recycle and can be recycled any number of times without losing its durability. Another advantage is the energy savings. When aluminium is recycled, 95 percent less energy is used to produce it than when it is extracted from the original raw material, bauxite ore.
High temperatures during aluminium recycling
The aluminium scrap delivered to the smelter has largely been collected by Stena Recycling. Oskar Rundberg explains how the process works, from scrap to new raw material.
“There is a melting part and a casting part. Before the aluminium scrap is melted down, it is first sorted by quality. Some materials are then pressed together to optimize the process in the melting furnaces.
The rotary melting furnaces are monitored by operators who ensure that the furnaces are loaded correctly, and that the temperature is maintained at the right level to ensure a good melt. That means temperatures of up to 700 degrees Celsius.
“Safety is very important when we handle materials at such high temperatures. Everyone must act as a safety officer and make sure that they and their colleagues follow all safety regulations.”
Recycled aluminium alloy according to customer requirements
After the melting furnaces, the foundry part takes over. The melt is transferred to alloying furnaces where alloying elements are added. This gives the aluminium its final product properties that match customer requirements. Throughout the aluminium recycling process, samples are taken to ensure that the alloy is correct, and that customers' specific requirements are met. The finished aluminium alloy is delivered mainly in ingot form but also in liquid form. When delivered in liquid form, the aluminium can be used directly in production by customers, without having to be melted down again, saving a lot of energy.
“It feels good to be involved in turning scrap into new raw materials every day. And I have the best colleagues. We have fun together and we know we can rely on each other. We're there if one of us needs help or if something happens,” concludes Oskar Rundberg.
Oskar Rundberg on how it is to work at the smelter
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