We are going to discuss the differences between steel BX and aluminum BX, also known as MC cable. There are various terms used, but these are the most common. We process these cables in two different ways, although they go through similar equipment, not all steps are the same. Traditionally, the method was to place…
What are the differences between wet and dry separators? Well, one is dry, and the other is wet. Dry separators use air, which is blown from its bottom compartment, where the blower is, and up through the angled deck above. The heavier materials move to the front and the lighter ones go to the back.…
While sometimes mixed up, there are distinctions between auto harness wire, auto shredder residue, and auto shredder residue wire, and specific equipment needed for each. A lot of people ask about suitable equipment, assuming what works for one can work for the other, but the right equipment for the right application needs careful consideration. Auto…
A common question in the recycling industry is about the separation of copper and aluminum and how it is possible. The reason is because of their different densities, however, achieving this separation is not always straightforward, and here is why: Imagine an air table, with an opening on top for material intake. The setup includes…
We are delving into how a cyclone separator operates. For those already familiar, you might not immediately think of a cyclone as a separator, but it is. The primary function is to segregate air streams—clean from dirty. Imagine everything as an airstream. One possible configuration is the cyclone under pressure, initially simpler and more cost-effective…
We are going to tackle the question: is it worth stripping your wire? Often, scrappers come in wondering about insulated vs bare wire. The factor they overlook is recovery. They think if they strip it, they will get, let’s say, $3.40/lb. However, that is just the value of what you get out of it. Let…
We want to discuss a common industry question: what size wire chopper should you get? When people first contact us, they often aim for the largest model like a C4 or C5, envisioning substantial chopping volumes and material handling. This inclination is understandable, especially if they already have a consistent material source or captive material,…
About a decade ago, some customers visited us, including a couple of executives. As we passed by our alligator shear, one of them asked if they had any of those at their yards. The other executive mentioned they did have a few, but only at one of their facilities, despite being a large, successful scrapyard.…
We want to discuss the distinctions between a granulator, vertical mill, and touch upon the turbo mill and their respective applications. Granulators and wire choppers have long been synonymous, typically used together for four decades or so. Over time, granulators have predominantly featured D2 steel blades in various blade configurations—staggered tooth, flat, or scissor-cut. One…
We get contacted a lot by people asking if they can use a wire chopper for processing aluminum-copper radiators. And, the answer is yes and no. There are several differences we use in our approach to processing aluminum-copper radiators. When dealing with aluminum-copper radiators, the deck of your screen can quickly become clogged, mostly due…