COMET Module PlasmArc4Green

Simulation, Modelling and Monitoring of Plasma and Arc Based Processes for Green Metal Production

The goal of the COMET Module PlasmArc4Green is to develop numerical modelling and experimental monitoring tools for the accurate performance prediction of plasma-based metal production processes.

Thematic focuses

  • Modelling the state of plasma outside of thermodynamic equilibrium, at near-electrode regions and plasma fringes at very high current densities
  • Development of reliable theoretical models describing the effects of collisions and species drifts on the plasma properties
  • Theoretical and experimental study of surface-plasma interactions, including electromagnetic and chemical phenomena occurring inside the near electrode region
  • Development of novel in-situ measurement techniques for better process control
  • Validation of simulations through metallurgical lab and pilot scale experiments
  • Implementation of a Data Management Platform following FAIR data principles

Description

The metals industry has long been recognized as one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon dioxide (CO2) being the primary pollutant. As global demand for metals continues to increase, there is an urgent need to find innovative solutions to reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness. To address this issue, the development of sustainable and CO2-neutral metal production processes is essential.

Arc plasma-based processes have shown great potential to replace fuel-based processes and will become the predominant technology for reducing CO2 emissions in metal production. By using arc plasma technology, it is possible to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of metal production. However, many phenomena underlying these processes are still not well understood, and the demand for detailed models and measurement techniques giving better insight is heavily increasing.

The goal of this project is to develop simulations, modelling, and monitoring tools that can accurately predict the performance of arc plasma-based metal production processes. These tools will be used to optimize process parameters and identify potential areas for improvement, leading to more efficient and sustainable metal production.

More specifically, we will create new insights into phenomena that are still not well understood but influence the performance and effectiveness of the relevant processes to a great extent. These are, for instance, interactions of high current arcs with surrounding media like graphite electrodes or refractories as well as the influence of evaporation of the melt on the reduction efficiency of hydrogen plasma-based smelting processes. We will address these issues both with modelling techniques strictly based on fundamental physics as well as with advanced sensor technologies designed for such harsh environments. With these new findings we will be prepared and help overcome challenges that need to be tackled to reach climate neutrality until 2050 and beyond.

See a compact overview of the module programme:

Project 1

Bulk Plasma Properties and Dynamics

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Project 2

Plasma-Solid Interaction

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Project 3

Plasma-Liquid Interaction

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Project 4

In-Situ Measurements and Data Analysis

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Project 5

Model Application

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Project 6

Data Management Platform

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Framework

COMET Module Programme of FFG only for existing COMET K1 Centres

The COMET Module PlasmArc4Green is funded within COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies – by BMK, BMAW as well as the co-financing by the federal provinces Upper Austria, Styria and Tyrol. The COMET programme is managed by FFG.

 

Funding

Public funding Scientific partners (5 %) Company partners (15 %)
Thereof federal funding 2 M€ (53.3 %) In-kind contributions 187,500.00 € Cash contribution 353,500.00 €
Thereof provincial funding 1 M€ (26.7 %)
(Provinces Upper Austria € 577,800.00; Styria € 244,400.00 and Tyrol € 177,800.00)		   In-kind contributions 209,000.00 €
Total contributions: 3 M€ Total: 187,500.00 € Total: 562,500.00 €

 

Project Period

01/07/2024 – 30/06/2028

Funding

Supported by