Reduction of CO2 footprint and cost reduction for process metallurgy
In process metallurgy, the melting and refining of metals in the PAM process, we are faced with an ongoing shortage of helium. This is undeniably a major challenge with regard to the valuable and non-renewable resource helium. A study on the subject summarizes the ongoing bottlenecks in the global helium supply since 2006: From one shortage to the next. (Source: bgr.bund.de)
However, according to another market study, the global PAM market is showing steady and strong growth. This trend is expected to continue beyond 2030.
The perfect way to counter the helium shortage is a helium recycling system. The helium used in the plasma arc melting (PAM) process is highly contaminated. However, the rare gas can be made usable again! Helium recycling with ReiCat can take place during and after melting.
The system shown here, with a volume of around 690 Nm³/h, removes dust, oil and chlorine and converts hydrogen. This is followed by the elimination of nitrogen and oxygen. In this way, the helium quality can be improved from 4.0 to 6.0 (99.9999 %). Our closed-loop prevents any emissions. A redundant online gas analysis for O2, N2, Cl2 and H2O ensures the gas quality.
ReiCat’s helium recycling thus ensures a reduction of the required gas by up to 98 %, which means that the system pays for itself within a very short time and the CO2 footprint of the PAM process is drastically reduced.zero emissions for a sustainable future.
