The spin-drying and Briquetting of short metal chips (C-shaped and flaky chips generated from turning, milling, drilling, etc.) is a key step in enhancing recycling value, reducing transportation costs, and improving the workshop environment.

Below is a systematic comprehensive solution for spin-drying and Briquetting short metal chips, covering everything from principles and equipment selection to process flow and key considerations.

I. Core Objectives

1. Weight Reduction: Remove adhering liquids such as cutting fluid and cooling oil (weight reduction up to 90% or more).

2. Drying: Reduce the residual liquid content of the chip cake to below 3%, facilitating recycling and smelting.

3. Value Added: Press into high-density cakes, increasing the unit recycling price and significantly reducing transportation frequency and costs.

4. Environmental Protection: Achieve centralized recycling and treatment of cutting fluid, avoiding secondary pollution.

II. Standard Process Flow Scheme

A complete processing line typically follows this flow:

Collection → Conveying → Initial Draining → Spin Drying → Briquetting into Cakes → Cake Collection/Cutting Fluid Treatment

1. Collection and Conveying

Methods: Magnetic chip conveyor, chain plate chip conveyor, screw chip conveyor, or manual collection.

Key Points: Concentrate scattered short chips into a temporary storage box or elevator hopper.

2. Initial Draining (Pretreatment)

Equipment: Screw conveyor, drain conveyor belt, or elevator with screen.

Function: Separates most of the free cutting fluid before entering the high-power spin dryer, reducing the spin dryer load and improving efficiency.

3. Core Component 1: Spin Drying

Core Equipment: Centrifugal Spin Dryer.

Working Principle: The high-speed rotating drum generates strong centrifugal force, "spinning" the liquid adhering to the surface of the metal chips out. The liquid is discharged through the drum wall filter, while the dry chips remain inside the drum.

Key Parameters:

Spindle Speed: Typically 1000-1500 rpm; higher speed results in higher dehydration rate.

Loading Capacity: Operate according to the equipment's rated capacity to avoid overloading.

Dehydration Time: Batch processing typically takes 3-8 minutes, depending on the material.

Discharge State: After processing, the metal scraps are loose and slightly damp, with residual liquid rate reduced to 5%-15%.

4. Core Component Two: Compact Forming

Core Equipment: Metal Scrap Compactor (Hydraulic).

Working Principle: The dehydrated, loose metal scraps are injected into the mold cavity and compressed into high-density cylindrical or square cakes by a large-tonnage (typically 100-500 tons) hydraulic cylinder.

Key Parameters:

Pressure: Higher pressure results in higher cake density (up to 60%-85% of pure metal density).

Holding Time: Ensures stable cake formation and prevents cracking.

Cake Size/Weight: Commonly 1-10 kg per cake for easy handling and furnace loading.

Discharge status: Hard, dry metal cakes with further reduced residual liquid; no obvious oil residue to the touch.

5. Subsequent Processing

Briquettes: Dropped into collection boxes or pallets via chutes or conveyors, packaged for sale.

Cutting Fluid: Waste liquid seeping from the spin dryer and cake press is collected in a settling tank or oil-water separation system for centralized treatment or recycling.

III. Key Considerations and Selection Recommendations

1. Metal Material and Morphology

Cast iron shavings, steel shavings: High hardness, easy to handle, most suitable for cake Briquetting. Note that excessive cast iron powder may affect dehydration.

Stainless steel shavings, aluminum alloy shavings: High value, must be thoroughly dried. Aluminum shavings are soft, may require adjustment of pressure and molds.

Copper shavings: Good ductility, requires extremely high pressure to form.

Short shavings vs. long shavings: This solution mainly targets short shavings. Long, coiled shavings must first be processed into short shavings by a shredder or crusher, otherwise they will entangle the equipment and prevent normal operation.

2. Cutting Fluid Type

Water-based cutting fluid: Easier to remove, but may produce more foam.

Oil-based cutting fluid: Strong adhesion, slightly more difficult to dehydrate, but has higher value for recycled oil.

3. Production Scale and Automation

Small batch: Batch dryers and manual/semi-automatic briquetting machines are optional.

Continuous large batch: Requires a continuous production line with automatic conveying, lifting, weighing, and PLC control.

4. Environmental Requirements

Mandatory: Waste liquid collection and filtration system to ensure no leakage.

Optional: Exhaust gas collection device (to handle oil mist that may be generated during briquetting).

IV. Implementation Steps Recommendations

1. Needs Assessment: Calculate daily/monthly chip volume, metal type mixing, current liquid content, workshop space, and budget.

2. Solution Design and Selection: Consult professional equipment suppliers (such as Henschl (Germany), PRAB (Italy), leading domestic brands, etc.), provide samples for testing, and determine equipment models and process layout. 3. Installation and Commissioning: Ensure the foundation's load-bearing capacity, power supply (high-power), hydraulic station location, and smooth logistics channels.

4. Personnel Training and Operation: Train operators on safety procedures, daily maintenance, and troubleshooting.

5. Establish Recycling Channels: Sign long-term agreements with downstream recyclers, negotiating more favorable prices based on the quality of the dried metal scraps.

V. Expected Benefits

Economic Benefits: Metal scrap selling price increases by 20%-50%; transportation costs decrease by over 60%; cutting fluid recycling saves costs.

Management Benefits: Significantly improved workshop environment (no oil spills, reduced odors); standardized materials facilitate storage and management; achieves green factory certification requirements.

Environmental Benefits: Maximizes resource recycling rate, complying with environmental regulations.

Summary: For short metal scrap processing, "centrifugal drying + hydraulic briquetting" is currently the most mature and efficient "reduction and resource recovery" solution in the industry. The key to success lies in selecting matching equipment based on material characteristics, output, and budget, and designing a reasonable automated logistics connection.