Heavy melting steel


Heavy melting steel or heavy melting scrap is a designation for recyclable steel and wrought iron. It is broken up into two major categories: HMS 1 and HMS 2, where HMS 1 does not contain galvanized and blackened steel, whereas HMS 2 does. The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries breaks up the categories further:
HMS 1 and 2 are widely traded, particularly in the western hemisphere.
Both HMS 1 and 2 comprise obsolete scrap only - iron and steel recovered from items demolished or dismantled at the end of their life.
Because both grades guarantee a minimum piece thickness – at least for HMS 1, and for HMS 2 – consignments have a high density. Both also have defined maximum dimensions, and should be prepared to facilitate handling and charging to a furnace.
This density, sizing and preparation makes for efficient furnace operation by minimising the time to charge enough scrap for a full melt. In contrast, thin mixed scrap greatly increases charging time, cutting furnace productivity.
Variations on maximum piece size are covered by ISRI codes. HMS is usually traded as a blend of 1 and 2, either a premium blend or lower grade mixes and. Other major heavy scrap grades include Japan’s H2 and A3 from the CIS.