Name: M Taha Aamir
Roll no: 21-IE-23
Submitted to: Dr Muhammad Jawad
Task no: 1
STEEL
Steel is
an alloy of iron and carbon with
improved strength and fracture
resistance compared to other forms of iron. Many other elements may be present
or added. Stainless steels that are corrosion- and oxidation-resistant typically
need an additional 11% chromium. Because of its high tensile strength and low
cost, steel is used in buildings, infrastructure, tools, ships, trains, cars, machines,
electrical appliances, and weapons.
TYPE OF STEEL
1.
MILD STEEL
Mild steel, also known as low carbon steel, is a type of carbon steel with a low amount of
carbon content. The carbon content in mild steel typically ranges from 0.05% to 0.25% by
weight, which makes it one of the most widely used types of steel in various industries.
Mild steel is known for its ductility, strength, and affordability, and is used in a variety of
applications such as construction, automotive, machinery, and furniture. It can be easily
welded, cut, and formed, making it an ideal material for many manufacturing processes.
Although mild steel is not as strong or hard as other types of steel, it is often preferred for its
versatility and ease of use. It is also highly malleable, which means it can be shaped and formed
without breaking or cracking.
One of the drawbacks of mild steel is that it is susceptible to rust and corrosion. To prevent
this, it is often coated with a protective layer, such as paint or a zinc coating, to prolong its
lifespan.
2. MEDIUM CARBON STEEL
Medium carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a carbon content between 0.3% and
0.6%. it is often used for applications that require a combination of strength and
toughness, such as structural components, machinery parts, and tools.
Medium carbon steel has a higher carbon content than low carbon steel, which makes
it stronger and harder, but also more brittle. however, it is less strong and more ductile
than high carbon steel. the higher carbon content also makes medium carbon steel more
difficult to weld and form, but it can be heat treated to increase its strength and hardness.
common grades of medium carbon steel include aisi 1045, aisi 1050, and aisi 1060.
these grades are commonly used in the production of shafts, gears, and other machine
components.
3. HIGH CARBON STEEL
High carbon steel is a type of steel that contains a high percentage of carbon, typically
between 0.6% and 1.5% by weight. This high carbon content makes the steel harder
and stronger than other types of steel, but also more brittle and less ductile.
High carbon steel is often used in applications where strength and hardness are
important, such as in cutting tools, knives, springs, and machinery parts that require
high wear resistance. However, its brittleness can make it unsuitable for some
applications, particularly where impact resistance is important.
High carbon steel can be heat treated to improve its properties. By subjecting the steel
to controlled heating and cooling cycles, its hardness, toughness, and ductility can be
optimized for specific applications. The heat treatment process can also affect the grain
structure of the steel, which can impact its final properties.
It is important to note that high carbon steel is more difficult to work with than other
types of steel, as it is more prone to cracking and breaking during forming and
machining. It also tends to rust more easily than low carbon or stainless steel, so it
requires proper care and maintenance to prevent corrosion.
ALUMINIUM
Aluminum is a chemical element with the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a
lightweight, silvery-white, and non-magnetic metal with excellent corrosion resistance,
thermal and electrical conductivity.
TYPE OF ALUMINIUM
In general, there are two main types of aluminum:
1. Pure Aluminum:
It is a relatively soft, lightweight, and ductile metal that is commonly used in
applications where high electrical conductivity or corrosion resistance is required. Pure
aluminum has a purity of 99.0% or higher.
2. Aluminum Alloys:
These are mixtures of aluminum and other metals, such as copper, magnesium, zinc,
or silicon, which are added to improve the strength, hardness, and other properties of
the metal. There are many different types of aluminum alloys, each with its own unique
set of properties and uses.
SMELTING AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE
Smelting is the process of extracting aluminum from its raw ore, bauxite, and refining
it into aluminum metal. While aluminum is a highly useful material that is widely used
in various applications, the smelting process can have negative environmental impacts,
such as air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the primary environmental issues associated with aluminum smelting is air
pollution. The process of smelting involves heating bauxite to high temperatures to
extract aluminum, which releases a range of harmful gases, including carbon dioxide,
carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These gases can contribute to
climate change, acid rain, and respiratory health problems.
Another issue is water pollution. Aluminum production requires large amounts of water
for the cooling and washing of equipment, as well as the transportation of materials.
This can lead to the depletion of local water sources and the contamination of
waterways with chemicals and heavy metals used in the refining process.
In addition to air and water pollution, aluminum smelting also produces large amounts
of solid waste, such as red mud, which is a toxic byproduct of refining bauxite. This
waste can be difficult to manage and can have long-term environmental impacts if not
properly disposed of.
To address these environmental issues, aluminum producers have implemented various
measures to reduce their environmental impact, such as developing more efficient
smelting technologies, reducing waste generation, and implementing recycling
programs to reuse aluminum scrap. Additionally, regulatory bodies around the world
have introduced laws and regulations to limit emissions and waste from aluminum
production.
HOW MUCH IT COST FOR MELTING 1KG OF AL IN
ELECTRIC FURNACE?
The cost of melting 1 kg of aluminum in an electric furnace depends on several factors,
including the cost of electricity, the efficiency of the furnace, and the cost of maintenance and
operation.
The amount of electricity required to melt 1 kg of aluminum can be calculated using the specific
heat capacity of aluminum and the energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of aluminum
from room temperature to its melting point. The specific heat capacity of aluminum is 0.902
J/g °C, and its melting point is 660.32 °C. Therefore, the energy required to melt 1 kg of
aluminum is:
Energy = Specific heat capacity x Mass x Change in temperature
= 0.902 J/g °C x 1000 g x (660.32 °C - 25 °C)
= 593,722.8 J
Assuming an electric furnace with an efficiency of 90%, the total energy required to melt 1 kg
of aluminum would be:
Total energy = Energy / Efficiency
= 593,722.8 J / 0.9
= 659,691 J
The cost of electricity varies depending on the location and the provider. Assuming an average
cost of $0.12 per kWh, the cost of electricity to melt 1 kg of aluminum would be:
Cost = Total energy / (1000 x 3600) x Cost per kWh
= 659,691 J / (1000 x 3600) x $0.12/kWh
= $0.02
Therefore, the cost of melting 1 kg of aluminum in an electric furnace would be approximately
$0.02, not accounting for other operational costs, such as maintenance and labor.