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Startup Helix Carbon is proposing a new method to reduce carbon emissions in the iron and steel industry by retrofitting existing blast furnaces rather than replacing them. CEO David Brown argues that decarbonization efforts must address these furnaces directly to be effective.
The company's technology utilizes an electrolyzer to convert waste carbon dioxide from furnace exhaust into carbon monoxide. This recycled gas is then injected back into the furnace, which allows producers to reduce their reliance on coke, a processed coal used in iron production.
While estimates regarding potential coke reduction vary between 30% and 90%, Helix Carbon suggests an initial replacement of 33%. The firm claims this shift could improve thin industry profit margins by saving producers $14 per ton of iron.
Helix Carbon intends to target the specialty chemicals market first to generate early revenue. The company presented its technology during the Startup Battlefield competition at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, which runs from October 13-15.
