Scrap Wiki
A transformer is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to change the voltage of alternating current. It is widely used in various industries, agriculture, transportation, and living scenes, and is a basic device for power transmission and distribution. Transformers can be classified into several types based on their purpose, including distribution transformers, power transformers, fully sealed transformers, combined transformers, dry-type transformers, oil-immersed transformers, single-phase transformers, electric furnace transformers, rectifier transformers, reactors, interference-proof transformers, lightning-proof transformers, and test transformers.
The main structural components of a transformer consist of primary and secondary coils, as well as a core, which is generally made of silicon steel sheets. The coil section is also known as the winding, typically wound with dual-insulated flat wires or enameled round wires, and usually made of pure copper. Occasionally, transformer windings are made of aluminum. The value of an aluminum transformer winding is significantly lower than that of a copper one, so special attention should be paid to this difference.
Scrapped transformers, as a common type of waste, derive their value mainly from the copper or aluminum in their windings, which is why they are categorized as common non-ferrous metal scrap. Transformers may be scrapped due to reasons such as exceeding their service life, damage, or burnout. As shown in the image below, a three-core transformer has had its outer casing removed, revealing three windings wrapped around silicon steel sheets.
In the image below, the connector inside the red box on the left is typically made of tin-plated copper strips, which have high value. The right image clearly shows the structure of the transformer, where the winding is wrapped and separated by insulating paper.
