What is considered dirty copper?

Scrap copper that has a dirty appearance falls under the #2 copper grade. To qualify for this category, the material's copper content should be 94 to 96 per cent. Any unalloyed wire or pipe that has solder, paint, coating and other types of tarnishing falls are classified as #2 copper.

What is the difference between clean copper and dirty copper?

Clean metals are those that are free of any other metals or materials. For example a copper pipe that has not fittings or or material on it. Dirty metals are those that have another material along with the metals we are looking for. For example copper wire with a plastic casing around it would be considered dirty.

What is classed as clean copper for scrapping?

The most valuable type of copper pipe – clean copper tubing – may qualify as #1 copper as long as it is free of fittings, insulation, paint, solder and other materials. In fact, most copper tubing and copper pipes can be of #1 grade providing they show few signs of corrosion and have their fittings removed.

What is considered clean copper pipe?

Clean copper pipe will be from new cutoffs of copper, used copper pipes that were for air, gases, water, or a few other applications.

What is the difference between #1 copper and #2 copper?

The cations are named as cuprous ion (copper 1) and cupric ion (copper 2). The key difference between copper 1 and copper 2 is that copper 1 is formed by the loss of one electron from a copper atom whereas copper 2 is formed by the loss of two electrons from a copper atom.

Copper Scrap Differences: #1, #2

What has the most copper in it to scrap?

Older appliances have more copper which gives you more scrap and more money. Washers, dryers, refrigerators, and air conditioners make great scrap appliances for their copper coils.

Is burnt copper worth less?

(When you burn copper wire, it loses about half its weight, depending on the type of wire.) On the other hand, if you were to strip the same wire, you would make at least $31! If you DO want to strip the wire yourself, you will generally get Copper #1, the highest value copper available.

How do you clean dirty copper?

Mix 1/4 cup salt, 1/4 cup flour and enough vinegar to make a thick paste. Use a soft cloth to rub the paste on the surface of the copper. Buff the copper item until it shines. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly.

How often should copper pipes be replaced?

Here are the expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Copper Pipes: 70-80 years. Brass Pipes: 80-100 years. Galvanized Steel Pipes: 80-100 years.

Why do copper pipes turn black?

Black – If you see black copper, it may indicate the presence of high sulfur levels or other chemicals in the air, like sewer gas. It could also indicate that the pipe is coming into contact with other non-compatible metals, especially galvanized steel.

Is it worth stripping copper wire?

If you chose to strip it, you will end up with 90 pounds of copper don't forget 10 pounds in plastic waste and in today's market you will get $1.90 per pound for stripped copper wire so your 90 pounds will net you $171.00 difference of $21.00 between stripping it or selling the way it is, just want to mention one thing ...

What's considered dirty brass?

Dirty brass generally has foreign contaminants such as paint, oil, and other metals. Glass and wood can also cause your brass to be considered as dirty. If there is copper attached to your brass materials, this generally does not cause it to be qualified as dirty.

What is #2 copper wire scrap?

Scrap copper that has a dirty appearance falls under the #2 copper grade. To qualify for this category, the material's copper content should be 94 to 96 percent. Any unalloyed wire or pipe that has solder, paint, coating and other types of tarnishing falls are classified as #2 copper.

What is scrap #2 copper?

2 Scrap Copper consists of clean, unalloyed copper solids. It may include clean, oxidized or coated (plated) copper clippings, punchings, bus bars, commutator segments. Copper pipe or tubing free of excessive solder also falls in this category, but must be clean and oxidized.

How do I know if my copper pipes are bad?

Old and corroded copper pipes can become bulging in areas, change color to black or greenish brown, turn soft over time, have a musty and moldy smell. These are all clear signs of decaying piping that need replacement ASAP.

How can you tell if copper pipes are corroded?

Inspect the exterior of your pipes and see if there are any pinhole leaks. If there are any leaks, you can know that it's caused by corrosion if there are rusty, bluish, white or salt-looking sediments or stains around the leaks.

Why are my copper pipes turning green?

Patina, or the greenish colour that appears on copper pipes, happens from oxidation. Oxidation is common on copper when it is exposed to water and air over time. While this oxidized layer is not harmful, it does cause the copper to become corroded.

Does copper go green?

Copper has a beautiful reddish hue, but when exposed to the elements, the metal undergoes a series of chemical reactions that make it turn green.

What is the best thing to scrap for money?

Is burning copper toxic?

Copper itself does not burn. Finely divided Copper powder may burn in air or become an explosion hazard. POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Copper fumes and Copper Oxides. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool.