Heavy melting steel (HMS) or heavy melting scrap is a designation for recyclable steel and wrought iron. It is broken up into two major categories: HMS 1 and HMS 2, where HMS 1 does not contain galvanized and blackened steel.
ISRI 200 (HMS 1): Wrought iron or steel scrap 1â4 inch (6.35 mm) and larger in thickness. All pieces must be smaller than 60 in à 24 in (1,524 mm à 610 mm)
ISRI 201 (HMS 1): Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than 36 in à 18 in (914 mm à 457 mm).
ISRI 202 (HMS 1): Same as ISRI 200 except pieces must be smaller than 60 in à 18 in (1,524 mm à 457 mm).
HMS 1 and 2 are widely traded, particularly in the western hemisre.
Both HMS 1 comprise obsolete scrap only - iron and steel recovered from items demolished or dismantled at the end of their life.
HMS 1 is the term for heavier scrap which has a density of at least 0.7 tons per cubic meter, whereas HMS 2 would be lighter steel scrap
Because both grades guarantee a minimum piece thickness â at least 1â4 inch (6.35 mm) for HMS 1, and 1â8 inch (3.175 mm) Both also have defined maximum dimensions (usually 60 in à 24 in or 1,524 mm à 610 mm), and should be prepared to facilitate handling and charging to a furnace.
This density, sizing and preparation makes for efficient furnace operation by minimising the time to charge enough scrap for a full melt. In contrast, thin mixed scrap greatly increases charging time, cutting furnace productivity.
Variations on maximum piece size are covered by ISRI (North Americaâs Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries) codes. HMS is usually traded as a blend of 1 and 2, either a premium blend (80:20) or lower grade mixes (70:30) and (60:40). Other major heavy scrap grades include Japanâs H2 and A3 from the CIS.[2]