The iron and steel industries are among the largest polluters globally, prompting numerous startups to seek ways to reduce emissions. Helix Carbon believes that previous approaches have missed a crucial element. "Any attempt to decarbonize the steel industry without dealing with the blast furnace is not going to work," stated David Brown, co-founder and CEO of Helix Carbon.
The Role of Blast Furnaces
A blast furnace is essential for converting iron ore into usable iron for steel production. Traditionally, these furnaces rely on coke, a processed form of coal, to facilitate this transformation. While coke provides the necessary heat, it is the carbon monoxide produced during combustion that effectively reduces iron by removing its oxygen atoms. This process generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is typically released into the atmosphere.
Helix Carbon's Innovative Approach
Helix Carbon has developed a method to recycle this waste CO2 back into carbon monoxide for use in the blast furnace. Their process utilizes an electrolyzer, a device that employs electricity and a catalyst to separate oxygen from carbon dioxide. Unlike conventional electrolyzers, which require purified CO2, Helix Carbon's design can handle the entire exhaust stream from the blast furnace.
