PyroGenesis Canada Inc has announced a new agreement with a premier applied engineering and process optimization firm in the global aluminum industry.
The joint initiative is focused on utilizing PyroGenesis' zero-emission plasma torches in carbon anode baking.
Montreal-based PyroGenesis said that carbon anode baking is a “vital upstream step in the aluminum production process.”
READ: PyroGenesis completes production of additional titanium powder order for 3D Printing; readies move to higher output phase
The technology firm’s 150 kW plasma torch will be placed inside a pilot system at the client’s research center.
The client, which will remain anonymous for confidentiality reasons, is one of the world's leading consulting engineering firms specifically focused on the optimization and improvement of furnace and furnace combustion processes at aluminum plants, according to PyroGenesis.
In particular, the client is focused on improving processes, lowering costs, and improving the quality of carbon anodes - the conductive material used in the electrolytic production of primary aluminum, PyroGenesis told shareholders.
Improving and optimizing the anode baking process
During aluminum production, a smelter needs approximately 425 kg of carbon anode to produce one ton of primary aluminum, PyroGenesis explained.
“The demand for anodes is so significant that several stand-alone manufacturers of high-grade anodes, as well as anode baking systems, are on-site at major aluminum producers and in constant operation - baking new anodes, of up to 6 feet in length and weighing 1.2 tons each,” the company said.
Improving and optimizing this anode baking process is a “key objective” in the industry, it added.
"Once again, we have yet another agreement underscoring the applicability, and timing, of PyroGenesis' offerings within the aluminum industry," said Peter Pascali, CEO of PyroGenesis, in a statement.
"Global aluminum producers face increasing metal demand, rising energy costs, higher market prices for high-quality aluminum, and new restrictions to meet carbon emissions targets. This agreement is a direct result of our increased sales efforts and R&D, targeting innovative new uses of our ultra-high heat expertise and plasma-based solutions.”
Pascali said the client told PyroGenesis that a typical anode baking furnace of three fires requires 144 gas burners of 200 kW each, with the largest anode baking plants operating up to seven furnaces with four fires each.
“This clearly illustrates the magnitude of this opportunity,” the CEO added.
Under the scope of the agreement, the performance of PyroGenesis' plasma torches will be analyzed, and the temperature distributions and flame characteristics will be determined. The results will provide third-party validation of the potential in replacing conventional oil and gas burners in carbon anode baking facilities with PyroGenesis' plasma torches.
PyroGenesis designs, develops, manufactures, and commercializes advanced plasma processes, high quality plasma atomized metal powder for 3D printing, and sustainable solutions which are geared towards reducing greenhouse gases.
Contact Angela at angela@proactiveinvestors.com
Follow her on Twitter @AHarmantas