Recycling & Degreasing Superalloys

05-03-2026

In aerospace and high-performance engineering sectors, superalloy recycling & degreasing is not simply a cleaning process — it is a critical metallurgical control step that directly affects vacuum melting performance, alloy chemistry and final component integrity.

Nickel-based, cobalt-based and titanium superalloys generate high-value revert material in the form of:

Machined turnings
Swarf and fines
Offcuts and solids
Grinding residues

However, machining introduces contamination from:

Cutting oils
Coolants
Lubricants
Greases
Carbon-based surfactants

If not properly removed before remelting, these contaminants increase carbon, sulphur and oxygen levels, affecting melt yield and compliance with aerospace specifications.

Centrifuge vs Full Swarf Washing – Aerospace Perspective

Feature	Centrifuge	Full Swarf Washing System
Removes Free Oil	Yes	Yes
Removes Bound Hydrocarbons	Limited	Yes
Carbon Reduction Capability	Moderate	High
Suitable for Aerospace Melt Specs	Sometimes	Yes
Melt Yield Improvement	Moderate	Significant

For aerospace revert alloys where carbon thresholds are tightly controlled, full aqueous degreasing provides superior contamination control.

Rotajet designs and manufactures industrial swarf degreasing systems specifically for high-value metal recovery applications.

Controlled aqueous chemistry systems
Carbon-reduction-focused washing processes
Integrated drying for hydrogen control
Modular scalable layouts
Proven aerospace revert preparation capability

For facilities preparing revert alloys for VIM, VAR or EBM melting, Rotajet systems provide the engineered control required to maintain chemistry integrity.

If you would like to learn more about the process needed for cleaning and recycling aerospace superalloys, go to: https://degreasingmachines.com/superalloy-recycling-degreasing/

If you would like to inspect our full range of spray washers, degreasers and chemicals; go to https://degreasingmachines.com/

Visit Rotajetsystems.com to view our full range of products.

For more information on Recycling & Degreasing Superalloys talk to Rotajet Systems Ltd