The EAF is a based on recycling steel scrap, together with limited additions of (ferro) alloys, in order to reach a target composition at tapping. The steel scrap is divided into two main types: internal and merchant scrap.

Internal scrap originates from the different processes within the steel mill and represents the fraction of the produced material that is not part of the final product. In most operations, a few percent of the treated steel is lost as internal scrap due to safety margins, removal of low quality sections, mishandling, etc. The amount of internal scrap varies with the type and number of process steps within the mill before the material is shipped to the customer and is reflected by the mill total metal yield.

Merchant scrap represents all steel scrap available on the scrap market. Electric steelmaking requires large amounts of scrap, both domestic and imported. The scrap is basically classified according to several properties:

  • Chemical composition of steel, e.g. low alloyed and stainless;
  • Level of impurity elements, e.g. S, P and Cu;
  • Physical size and shape;
  • Homogeneity, i.e. the variation within the given specification.

A high quality scrap is well defined, has a low level of impurities and has a size that has been controlled and/or modified by mechanical means. This type of scrap is the most expensive and only used in the latter stages of steel processing, e.g. ladle operations.

Below are 10 different scrap types presented which represent only a few of the types available on the market. To facilitate trading between scrap dealers and steel companies, steel scrap types are standardized for different markets. The names used here attempt to follow the recommendations of the US-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI). Names in brackets are the United Kingdom specifications for iron and steel scrap for the manufacturing of iron and steel.

Steel scrap grade - plate and structural

Plate and Structural (UK scrap standard: Grade OA)

Consists of cut structural and plate arisings predominantly 6 mm thick in sizes not exceeding 1.50 m × 0.60 m × 0.60 m (or as otherwise agreed) prepared in a manner to ensure compact charging. May include properly prepared wagon material less than 6 mm thick. Excludes tube and hollow section.

Steel scrap grade - No1 Heavy

No1 Heavy (UK scrap standard: Grade 1)

Predominantly 6 mm thick, in sizes not exceeding 1.50 m × 0.60 m × 0.60 m (or as otherwise agreed) prepared in a manner to ensure compact charging. May include tube and hollow section, wire rope properly prepared by agreement with consumer, properly prepared material from heavy commercial vehicles including wheels, but excluding body and wheels from light vehicles.

Steel scrap grade - No2 Heavy

No2 Heavy (UK scrap standard: Grade 1)

Predominantly 3 mm thick, in sizes not exceeding 1 m × 0.60 m × 0.60 m (or as otherwise agreed) prepared in a manner to ensure compact charging. May include properly prepared material from dismantled vehicles including light vehicle wheels, but must exclude vehicle body arisings and also domestic appliances.
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Internal Low Alloyed

Scrap accumulated within the steel works that has no more than a total of 5 wt-% of alloying elements and no more than 1 wt-% carbon content. Size and shape varies but is usually compressed to ensure easy charging.

Internal stainless steel

Courtesy of Corus

Internal Stainless Steel

Scrap accumulated within the steel works which contains a minimum of 10 wt-% Cr and varying amounts of nickel, molybdenum, titanium, niobium. Size and shape varies but is usually hydraulically compressed to ensure easy charging.
No 1 Bundles

Courtesy of Padnos

No1 Bundles

New black steel sheet scrap, clippings or skeleton scrap, compressed or hand bundled, to charging box size, and weighing not less than 75 pounds per cubic foot. (Hand bundles are tightly secured for handling with a magnet.) May include Stanley balls or mandrel wound bundles or skeleton reels, tightly secured. May include chemically detinned material. May not include old auto body or fender stock. Free of metal coated, limed, vitreous enameled, and electrical sheet containing over 0.5 wt-% Si.
No 2 Bundles

Courtesy of Padnos

No2 Bundles

Old black and galvanized steel sheet scrap, hydraulically compressed to charging box size and weighing not less than 75 pounds per cubic foot. May not include tin or lead-coated material or vitreous enameled material.
Direct reduced iron

Courtesy of Midrex

DRI

Also known as direct reduced iron, is a virgin iron source that is relatively uniform in composition, and virtually free from tramp elements. It is increasingly used in EAF steelmaking to dilute contaminants present in the steel scrap. It contains a certain amount, roughly 2 wt-%, of carbon which serves as an additional energy source. DRI can be produced in different ways and the two most common processes are Midrex and HYL.
Steel scrap grade - Shredded

Shredded (UK scrap standard: Grade 3B)

Old light steel arisings fragmentized into pieces not exceeding 200 mm in any direction. Must be free from dirt, free from non-ferrous metals and foreign material and exclude excessive moisture, introduced loose cast iron, incinerator material, grindings, swarf, turnings and borings. Should also be free from tin cans. Must conform to the following specifications: minimum density of 0.80 tonne per m³, maximum content of Sn and Cu of 0.03 wt-% and 0.25 wt-%, respectively.
Steel scrap grade - No1 Busheling

No1 Busheling (UK scrap standard: Grade 8A)

Suitable for pressing, free from coated, tinned, galvanized, enameled and all deleterious material (other than by joint agreement from a specified source).