Constellium signed a partnership agreement with PyroGenesis Canada Inc. to test the use of plasma torch technology at one of Constellium’s casthouses. This will support the company’s decarbonization goals.
“As part of our decarbonization roadmap, Constellium has been evaluating various solutions to support the decarbonization efforts within our aluminum casthouses. The plasma torch technology has the potential to reduce our direct emissions by a factor of three compared to the current benchmark,” said Ludovic Piquier, senior VP, Manufacturing Excellence and chief technical officer of Constellium. “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.”
A plasma torch operates by generating an electric arc that ionizes gas, creating a superheated plasma. This plasma, with temperatures surpassing traditional methods, offers a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burners. PyroGenesis is a leader in the development of advanced plasma technologies.
After successful first laboratory trials, Constellium and PyroGenesis have now entered an agreement to test this technology at an industrial scale. The companies plan to implement a demonstrator plasma-heated furnace system in one of Constellium’s casthouses.
“PyroGenesis was proud to host and work with the scientific team from Constellium during this important test campaign. The results from this campaign have led to today’s agreement to move forward with a planned scale-up to a full-size furnace at one of Constellium’s casthouses,” said P. Peter Pascali, CEO of PyroGenesis. “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. Constellium is one of the best examples of a global industry leader who is evaluating PyroGenesis’ electric plasma torches as a fuel-switching possibility.”