One of the research topics is to develop a fundamental technology for Synthesis Gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) production using SEKISUI CHEMICAL’s unique chemical looping technology.
Through tests using actual blast furnace gas at ArcelorMittal's plant in Asturias, Spain, a CO2 conversion rate of 90% and a hydrogen conversion rate of 75% has been achieved, higher than the project target of a CO2 conversion rate of 85% or higher and a hydrogen conversion rate of 60% or higher using this technology.*1 . To obtain these results, it was important to carry out a CO2 capture process reaching 90% of CO2 purity.
As a next step, the two companies will further optimise the conditions, replace the catalyst with a high-performance one, and conduct a long-term test with a higher reaction yield by December 2023. At the same time, they will consider new projects to demonstrate the ability to scale up the new technology.
Steelmaking accounts for 7-9 percent of global CO2 emissions. The blast furnace process in particular, which produces pig iron from iron ore, accounts for about 70% of CO2 emissions in the steel industry, and therefore reducing these emissions is a major challenge for the steel industry. In the NEDO project, CO2 separated and captured from blast furnace gas is converted to Synthesis Gas (a mixture of CO and H2) through a chemical process. The converted syngas is introduced into the blast furnace as a reduction agent to replace coke (CCU for carbon circulation in steelmaking). Through the project, the companies will demonstrate technologies that contribute to the effective use of CO2 and CO2 reduction.