Metso Outotec converts pilot plant into hydrogen-DRI unit

Metso Outotec says it will convert its Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) pilot plant in Frankfurt, Germany, for hydrogen-based direct reduction of fine ore, applying its Planet Positive Circored technology.

The pilot plant can be used for the reduction of high-grade iron fines concentrate and to confirm the design basis for an industrial-scale Circored plant, Kallanish hears from the technology company. Commissioning of the plant is expected to take place by December 2023.

“The investment enables us to pilot the reduction of low-grade iron concentrate fines in larger quantities than what we do today,” says Parizat Pandey, director of Direct Reduced Iron at the company.

Once operational, the 700mm pilot plant will be able to continuously produce 150-200 kg/h of direct reduced iron, using 100% hydrogen as the sole reducing agent. It will have an integrated pre-heating and reduction section, followed by a gas cleaning and recirculation facility. The data obtained from the use of electric heaters will be used to scale up the design of industrial heaters capable to running on renewable energy, Metso Outotec explains.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries and its sales for 2021 were about €4.2 billion ($4.4 billion).

Christian Koehl Germany