The Materials Processing Institute has announced a three-year partnership with Trent Refractories and Kanthal to investigate the effects of hydrogen on refractories and electrical elements.
Refractories are heat-resistant materials used in high-temperature furnaces, crucibles, ladles, and kilns, primarily in the iron and steel industry. This collaboration aims to understand the behavior of refractories and electrical elements in the presence of hydrogen and explore any necessary advancements for their reliable operation.
The CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, Chris McDonald, highlighted the significance of the research program, noting that the outcomes could have far-reaching effects across various industries such as iron and steel, aluminum, glass, power generation, petrochemicals, chemicals, and cement. As the UK transitions to a low-carbon economy, understanding the use of hydrogen in different applications becomes crucial.
The initial phase of the partnership involves testing refractory materials provided by Trent Refractories, based in Scunthorpe, to evaluate their performance and resistance to degradation in the presence of hydrogen. The Materials Processing Institute will conduct extensive testing in hydrogen-rich atmospheres to assess the impact on the refractory samples. Swedish industrial heating technology company Kanthal will contribute by advancing the use of electric furnaces and green steel.
Hydrogen’s widespread adoption, coupled with advancements in its production processes, is expected to revolutionize the global steel industry in the coming decades. Therefore, it is essential to explore the compatibility of refractory materials and electrical elements with hydrogen to ensure their suitability for clean energy applications.
The Materials Processing Institute, based in Teesside, will also investigate and test new materials at its hydrogen research facilities to ensure their readiness for the introduction of clean hydrogen in various industrial processes.
Bob James, Technical Collaboration Lead at the Institute, emphasized the importance of research to understand how hydrogen may impact processes, including its effect on refractory lining systems, corrosion of specific compositions, and accelerated wear.
Katy Moss, Managing Director of Trent Refractories Ltd and the President of the Institute of Refractory Engineers, expressed enthusiasm for being part of the solutions that enable foundation industries to not only survive but thrive sustainably.
Jesper Ejenstam, R&D Manager of Kanthal, highlighted the industry’s shift toward decarbonization and the use of clean fuels like hydrogen, stating that Kanthal is proud to contribute to research that ensures such innovations are ready for industrial implementation.
The partnership’s collaborative efforts will provide valuable insights into the behavior of refractories and electrical elements in the presence of hydrogen, facilitating the development of materials and technologies that can support the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
