PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (TSX:PYR, OTCQX:PYRGF) announced it is collaborating with aluminum transformation and recycling firm Constellium to develop plasma torches and associated processes as suitable heating sources for aluminum remelting furnaces.
The company said this followed its recent successful completion of an initial joint evaluation of its plasma technology in aluminum melting test furnaces.
It said it and Constellium have agreed to put in place an industrial-scale aluminum remelting furnace.
The first phase of the project will involve conducting feasibility studies and engineering, which will be followed by implementing a demonstrator plasma-heated furnace system in one of Constellium’s aluminum casthouses.
“PyroGenesis was proud to host and work with the scientific team from Constellium during this important test campaign over the last several quarters,” PyroGenesis CEO P Peter Pascali said.
“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.”
Pascali added that Constellium is one of the best examples of a global industry leader evaluating PyroGenesis’ electric plasma torches as a fuel-switching possibility.
“We expect that with the energy transition trend only getting started, that others will follow the lead of influential and respected companies like Constellium,” he said.
“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.”
Ludovic Piquier, senior vice manufacturing excellence and chief technical officer of Constellium, said that the company has been evaluating a range of solutions to support its decarbonization efforts within its aluminum casthouses.
“We are delighted with the robust research and development collaboration alongside PyroGenesis, which culminated in a successful plasma test campaign at their facility,” Piquier said.
“Our technical experts, hand in hand with their PyroGenesis peers, were able to demonstrate the highly promising potential of plasma torch applications in our cast house furnaces. This fruitful collaboration has paved the way for our next phase of partnership as we transition to a significantly larger furnace and facility.”
PyroGenesis designs, develops, manufactures, and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions, economically attractive alternatives to conventional “dirty” processes.