Standardization News

ASTM International’s copper and copper alloys committee (B05) has approved two new standards providing guidance that will aid in the detection of contaminants in scrap copper. The new guides (B1027 and B1028) are the first standards developed by the copper committee’s newest subcommittee, on recycled materials (B05.08).

“Scrap is a dynamic product and can contain contamination from numerous sources that is difficult to spot by visual inspection and conventional sampling techniques,” says ASTM member Adam Estelle, who chairs B05.08. “Contamination causes costly issues such as off-spec products, degraded materials properties, and production failures.”

Estelle notes that contamination issues can also damage relationships between suppliers and consumers.

“These new standards give scrap buyers and sellers new guidance and best industry practices to find contaminants before they enter the furnace,” says Estelle.

According to Estelle, B1027 brings to light best practices for sampling copper scrap in particulate form, such as copper chops, granules, or brass turnings.

“Buyers and sellers of these common forms of scrap use different techniques to collect samples for analysis and quality control,” explains Estelle. “Having this guide will help both producers and users follow standardized approaches to sampling so they can expect to have similar results.”

The other new standard, B1028, outlines fit-for-purpose guidance for using handheld X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analyzers on copper and copper alloy scrap for positive material identification and contaminant detection. While this type is technology is used in many industries, the new standard included guidance specifically tailored for copper and copper alloys. Estelle says the new standard will help scrap buyers and sellers be more effective and efficient in detecting contaminants in scrap packages that can have costly impacts and degrade recyclability.

This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #12 on responsible consumption and production.

ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN. Scrap processors and dealers are particularly encouraged to join the recycled materials subcommittee.

U.N. Sustainable Goals Supported: