Tungsten in specific is produced in a restricted number of countries, akin to rare earth metals. As the supply of tungsten is restricted for some reason, it is confronted that it has been reduced considerably, more precisely because of its existence in very few countries and that too in a very limited amount. A very rare metal recycling system ensures a stable supply of rare metals and efficient utilization of scarce resources. The system employs two kinds of recycle carbide techniques, and those are zinc treatment and wet-chemical treatment, to process the cemented carbide index-able inserts. Zinc Treatment In zinc treatment, used cemented carbide index-able inserts or scrapped cemented carbide are mixed up with the zinc ingots in the tray and the mixture is heated up in a furnace. The liquefied zinc then filters through the scrapped carbide, eventually transforming it into the sponge like material that is then recovered and pulverized as a rare metal powder. This procedure is environmentally friendly since it is low in energy consumption and utilizes no chemicals. Wet Chemical Treatment Although zinc treatment can recover the scrapped cemented carbide like a rare metal powder having the same composition as the original metal, it needs pre-screening of scrapped carbide and lacks in versatility. In distinction, wet chemical treatment, presently under the development regenerates the used cemented carbide products to rare metals encompassing nearly the same quality like those refined from original ores. It offers commenced operation this spring on a testing basis. In wet chemical treatment, the scrapped carbide products are immersed in the nitrate of soda and placed in the furnace for melting by the utilization of chemical reaction. The carbide, in the molten state is then passed through an ion exchange procedure for recovery as tungsten oxide. Techniques opted for metal recycling by the known metal recycling industries are: • Wet chemical treatment; encompassing dissolution by molten salt • Wet-chemical treatment; by the process of oxidation • Alkali dissolution Advantages associated: • Same quality as obtained through ore refining • Wide variety of applications (particle size and so on.) Disadvantages • Needs large scale facilities (large facility installation cost) • High energy consumption • Chemical substance release Industries should sell carbide scrap to the recycling units, so that the precious metal is used to its maximum benefit and that the precious metal’s property is retained. Thus, make sure the recycling unit is of high significance and prominence. Always remember to contact a local specialist to receive the proper help when recycling carbide scrap.
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