Constellium has signed a partnership agreement with PyroGenesis Canada to test the use of plasma torch technology to support Constellium’s decarbonization roadmap. After successful first laboratory trials, Constellium and PyroGenesis have now entered an agreement to test this technology at industrial scale with the implementation of a demonstrator plasma-heated furnace system in one of Constellium’s casthouses.

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.

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. 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.

—Ludovic Piquier, Senior VP, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technical Officer of Constellium