With the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in aerospace and other related industries, the demand for titanium metal has significantly increased. However, this has also resulted in a substantial amount of titanium metal scrap. As a result, the recovery of titanium metal scrap has become crucial in conserving resources and reducing costs.

Titanium scrap comes from various sources, such as during the production of sponge titanium. The upper skin, bottom, and sides of sponge titanium may be contaminated by impurities like iron, chlorine, oxygen, and nitrogen. These impurities make the titanium scrap unsuitable for manufacturing and must be recycled. Additionally, titanium ingot casting and processing titanium materials into titanium products also generate titanium scrap.

To recycle titanium metal scrap, the following methods can be employed:

High-quality uncontaminated titanium scrap can be utilized as an additive for smelting titanium ingots or mixed with sponge titanium to produce titanium blocks.

Waste titanium sponges, heads, and scraps can be utilized as alloy additives in the ferrotitanium industry or raw materials for titanium powder, depending on their purity and composition.

Waste titanium powder can be utilized as deflagration agents in the pyrotechnic sector, additives in the processing of aluminum, and raw materials for titanium products made using powder metallurgy.

Titanium scrap with numerous impurities can be processed into high-titanium iron.

What is the process for recycling titanium scrap?

The process of recycling titanium scrap typically involves the following steps:

Collection and sorting: Titanium scrap is collected from various sources, such as manufacturing facilities, aerospace companies, and medical facilities. The scrap is then sorted based on its composition and quality.

Cleaning and preparation: The titanium scrap is cleaned and prepared for processing. This may involve removing any impurities, such as oil or dirt, and cutting the scrap into smaller pieces.

Melting: The titanium scrap is melted in a furnace at high temperatures. This process helps to separate titanium from any other metals or materials that may be present.

Refining: The melted titanium is refined to remove any remaining impurities and improve its quality. This may involve adding other materials, such as aluminum or vanadium, to improve the properties of the titanium.

Forming: The refined titanium is then formed into various shapes and products, such as sheets, bars, or wire. These products can be used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, medical, and automotive industries.