Raw material :
- Recycled stainless steel or other alloy scrap containing the basic elements that will form stainless steel after melting in the electric furnace.
- Scrap is inspected for quality, content, and radiation as it enters the facilities.
- Stainless steel is 100% recyclable and all available stainless steel scrap is collected for recycling both from within the plant itself and from customers and fabricators after a useful life in the marketplace.
Alloying Element:
Generally consist of ferro-chrome and ferro-nickel that are mined and refined before being delivered to the plant site.
Energy:
The electric furnaces that are used to melt the raw materials are state-of-the-art with computer controls to ensure the efficient use of electric power. Many companies contract with the utility companies to use off-peak power and/or to level power usage in high demand periods.
Water Usage:
Water is used mainly as a cooling medium. Applications include use of a heat exchange medium for non-contact cooling process during hot rolling and in the acid wash treatment after rolling. Many companies recycle most of their cooling waters up to 100 times prior to discharge.