Metso has inaugurated its Circored pre-reduction pilot plant in Frankfurt, Germany. The investment reflects Metso’s commitment to advancing low-carbon technologies and supporting the global transition to fossil-free steelmaking.
The Circored pilot plant, which is based on Metso’s proprietary technology, enables continuous pre-reduction using hydrogen as the sole reducing agent. It integrates pre-heating, reduction, gas cleaning, and recirculation systems for hydrogen and dust, and features electric heaters to support nearly zero-carbon operation.
In the Circored pilot plant, a wide range of iron ore types can be tested, providing process data for engineering future commercial-scale plants. It also helps define the operating window for different ore qualities.
The Circored direct reduction process can be integrated with Metso’s DRI Smelting Furnace or other smelting technologies, the company said.
Metso, based in Espoo, Finland, is a global leader in sustainable technology and services for the aggregates, mining, and metals refining industries.
