Constellium to trial PyroGenesis plasma burner technology

Paris-based Constellium has signed a partnership agreement with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. of Montreal to test the use of plasma torch technology at one of Constellium’s casthouses to support its decarbonization road map. The agreement follows successful laboratory trials the companies conducted.

A plasma torch operates by generating an electric arc that ionizes gas, creating a superheated plasma, Constellium says in a news release. This plasma, with temperatures surpassing traditional methods, offers a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burners.

RELATED: PyroGenesis signs emissions reduction contract with battery recycler

A news release from PyroGenesis says the project would consist of two phases: 1) conducting feasibility studies and engineering and 2) implementing a demonstrator plasma-heated furnace system in one of Constellium’s aluminum casthouses.

PyroGenesis says its development of plasma torches for use in high-temperature furnaces is part of its three-tiered solution ecosystem that aligns with economic drivers that are key to global heavy industry. Plasma torches for aluminum melting furnaces are part of its Energy Transition & Emissions Reduction tier, where fuel switching using PyroGenesis’ electric-powered plasma torches helps heavy industry reduce fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

“As part of our decarbonization road map, Constellium has been evaluating various solutions to support the decarbonization efforts within our aluminum casthouses,” says Ludovic Piquier, senior vice president, manufacturing excellence, and chief technical officer of Constellium. “The plasma torch technology has the potential to reduce our direct emissions by a factor of three compared to the current benchmark. Our recent laboratory trials with PyroGenesis, soon to be validated at scale, have yielded promising outcomes. This could be a major step forward in our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.”

P. Peter Pascali, CEO of PyroGenesis, says the results from the laboratory testing have led to the agreement to scale up to a full-size furnace at one of Constellium’s casthouses. “PyroGenesis is quickly becoming the go-to plasma solution company for key players in heavy industry as they seek solutions to meet their global decarbonization strategies,” he adds. “Constellium is one of the best examples of a global industry leader who is evaluating PyroGenesis’ electric plasma torches as a fuel-switching possibility.”

PyroGenesis says it has created proprietary, patented and advanced plasma technologies that are being vetted and adopted by multiple multibillion-dollar industry leaders in the iron ore pelletization, aluminum, waste management and additive manufacturing markets.