Speira and SMS optimize aluminium recycling

Speira’s Recycling Services and SMS group have announced a strategic partnership. They aim to set new operational standards by implementing state-of-the-art digitalization technologies from SMS group for scrap handling at the customer’s sites in Töging am Inn, Grevenbroich, and Deizisau.

The agreement covers SMS’s “Metallics Optimizer”, a learning charge-mix optimization solution designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the scrap mix. The roll-out of the Metallics Optimizer takes into consideration the integration of the melting and holding furnaces for aluminum, as well as the furnaces used for magnesium production. “This strategic partnership is one of the major digitalization projects underway in the aluminum recycling industry," says Caroline Chatard, Vice President, Solutions-Technologies at SMS group. According to her, it makes an important contribution through its focus on the circular economy, recycling, energy efficiency and CO₂ reduction.

Covers Speira-specific use cases

The installation of the Metallics Optimizer will cover other Speira-specific use cases with a focus on business processes and will enable step-by-step charging and the related sequencing of heats. Taking into account factors such as availability, process costs, and purchasing costs for different types of scrap, the Metallics Optimizer is set to enhance the alloy recipes in use today. Furthermore, the Metallics Optimizer will support Speira’s Recycling Services with optimized recipe suggestions, including the possibility of comparing different charge-mix scenarios. Optimized recipes play a significant role in improving cost competitiveness. By using scrap in an optimal way, the Metallics Optimizer is able to reduce energy consumption and raw material losses during the melting process.

In consideration of Speira Recycling Service’s existing processes in various plants in Europe, the Metallics Optimizer will be fully customizable to meet the requirements of the production and business processes, offering a range of supporting functions such as the reuse of in-house circular materials and post-consumer recycling materials, as well as compliance with environmental and legal requirements. Being web-based, the package of customizable and learning digitalization solutions for scrap handling enables systems to be operated and controlled remotely, thereby facilitating an integrative exchange among all Speira locations. The project is supported by a long-term software and maintenance contract to ensure continued operation after implementation and to keep the operational functions up to date with the latest technology.

Featured photo: SMS group