Scrap Metal, Steel, Waste to Energy and Recycling
Scrap Metal, Steel, Waste to Energy and Recycling
LAURUS sells radiation detection systems and vehicle radiation monitors for scrap metal and steel, waste to energy, recycling and municipal waste. LAURUS exclusively features RadComm Systems portal and vehicle monitors.
Recycling of re-usable resources conserves raw materials, energy, and landfill space. Million of tons of iron and steel scrap is recycled each year in the United States. Steel making, foundry industries and virtually all manufacturers that use recycled material rely on radiation-free goods and components for their new products. Recycled materials that are radioactively contaminated threaten human health and the environment while having a huge economic impact on the manufacturer. This radioactivity can expose workers and ultimately be incorporated into consumer products.
Radioactive sources can escape from regulatory control by being abandoned, lost, or stolen. Likewise, uncontrolled material contaminated with natural or man-made radioactive isotopes from industrial processes can also enter the recycling stream. Two examples of this are pipe scale from oil and gas drilling (NORM) and material improperly released from any nuclear related industry that is contaminated with man-made radionuclides above regulated limits.
Since scrap metal recycling is an increasingly international industry and as the United States imports millions of tons of scrap metal, semi finished metal, and metal products each year, it is important to ensure that this metal is not contaminated with radioactivity. There is always the possibility that more highly contaminated materials could be exported to the United States. LAURUS Systems is pleased to offer a full range of detection and monitoring systems to help combat this very serious environmental issue.
Useful Links and Notes
The ISRI Safety and Environmental Council (lSEC) brings industry leaders together twice a year to explore safety and environmental issues, and to establish baselines for acceptable performance. The council provides opportunities to share ideas and to ask questions. It brings people together to network and address challenges.
Explosives in scrap metal? Military scrap metal is valuable but can be dangerous and could possibly contain explosive material like mortars, ammunition or mines. Explosive scrap metal has caused injuries and death to workers at scrap metal yards in many countries. Learn how to keep inspectors and scrap metal workers safe and out of harm’s way – TraceX® Explosives Detection Kit Is Ideal for Detecting Explosives in Military Scrap Metal.
In November of 2013, LAURUS Systems was invited to make a presentation to industry professionals addressing the challenges they face regarding radiation monitoring, safety, and instrumentation when protecting both personnel and assets. A downloadable version of this presentation in PDF format is available here: Radiation Safety and Equipment Considerations.