Constellium partners with PyroGenesis on plasma torch technology

MUSCLE SHOALS — Constellium, with five manufacturing plants in the United States, including one in Muscle Shoals, announced a partnership with PyroGenesis Canada to test the use of plasma torch technology to support Constellium’s decarbonization roadmap. 

Constellium and PyroGenesis have entered an agreement to test this technology in one of Constellium’s casthouses. The company’s news release did not say which plant the new technology would be tested.

“As part of our decarbonization roadmap, Constellium has been evaluating various solutions to support the decarbonization efforts within our aluminum casthouses. The plasma torch technology has the potential to reduce our direct emissions by a factor of three compared to the current benchmark,” said Ludovic Piquier, senior vice president, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technical Officer of Constellium. “Our recent laboratory trials with PyroGenesis, soon to be validated at scale, have yielded promising outcomes. This could be a major step forward in our commitment to reduce our carbon footprint.”

A plasma torch operates by generating an electric arc that ionizes gas, creating a superheated plasma. This plasma, with temperatures surpassing traditional methods, offers a faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burners. PyroGenesis is a leader in the development of advanced plasma technologies.

“PyroGenesis was proud to host and work with the scientific team from Constellium during this important test campaign. 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,” said P. Peter Pascali, CEO of PyroGenesis. “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.

“Constellium is one of the best examples of a global industry leader who is evaluating PyroGenesis’ electric plasma torches as a fuel-switching possibility.”