Metal & Steel Works

CO₂ Recovery from Blast Furnace and Converter Gases

In conventional blast furnace processes, so-called blast furnace gas is produced, which contains not only nitrogen and carbon monoxide but also significant quantities of CO₂. The situation is similar with converter gases from BOF or LD processes, which are produced during oxygen blowing for pig iron decarburisation.

These gases are often used for energy or flared off, but offer great potential for CO₂ recovery. With ASCO recovery systems, CO₂ can be selectively captured from these exhaust gas streams, purified and processed for further use or sale. In this way, an unavoidable by-product of steel production is transformed into a usable raw material with economic and environmental added value.

Exhaust Gases from Electric Arc Furnaces and Thermal Processes

Modern steelworks with electric arc furnaces (EAF) also produce CO₂-containing exhaust gases, particularly during the melting of scrap, in post-combustion processes and in associated heat treatment plants. In addition, CO₂ emissions are generated in various thermal processes, such as the annealing, hardening or holding of metals.

These exhaust gas streams are characterised by fluctuating flow rates and compositions – a challenge that ASCO addresses with flexible, fully automated recovery systems. The systems are designed for continuous 24/7 operation and can ensure stable CO₂ capture even under variable process conditions.

Contributing to Decarbonisation and the Circular Economy

The recovery of CO₂ in metal and steelworks is a key component on the path to decarbonising the industry. Instead of releasing CO₂ unused into the atmosphere, it is captured and made available as an industrial raw material – for example, for the food and beverage industry, the chemical industry or technical applications.

In this way, CO₂ recovery not only supports internal sustainability targets but also overarching concepts such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Particularly when combined with further efficiency measures and alternative energy sources, CO₂ thus becomes part of a holistic transformation strategy for the steel industry.

ASCO as a Technology and Systems Partner for the Steel Industry

ASCO offers metal and steelworks tailor-made solutions for CO₂ recovery from a wide variety of exhaust gas sources – from blast furnace and converter gases to EAF and heat treatment exhaust gases. The portfolio ranges from capture, through purification, drying and liquefaction, to the storage and reuse of CO₂.

Thanks to modular plant concepts, high process integration and many years of experience in industrial CO₂ technology, ASCO systems can be seamlessly integrated into existing production environments. In this way, CO₂ is transformed from an emission factor into a strategic resource – economically viable, technically reliable and environmentally sustainable.

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