Research at Swerim forms the basis of a business agreement on fossil-free heating of process gas

The first version of the heater was started in 2013 at metals research institute Swerim's test facility in Luleå and has since functioned trouble-free. It is based on well-proven components and has been constructed to enable upscaling to the desired temperature, flow rate and pressure. 

The technology is a key component for industries that need to heat large volumes of process gas to high temperatures while striving to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Examples of areas in which the technology can be used include manufacturing of steel, cement and petrochemical products. According to the agreement, Kanthal gains exclusive rights to the technology, which has been developed by Nycast for heating large volumes of gas under high pressure up to 1,100°C.

"We are very happy to have signed this agreement, which represents significant business opportunities for Kanthal,” says Anders Björklund, CEO of Kanthal. Fossil-free heating of process gas to high temperatures will be decisive for many industries that wish to reduce emissions. Pontus Sjöberg, Swerim's CEO, is also pleased with the agreement.

"This agreement, between one of our member companies and the development company Nycast, is the perfect example of the kind of benefit to industry that research projects at Swerim can deliver.

"It is extremely gratifying to work with a company that encourages its co-workers to be curious and committed and who also induced us to take the gas heater to market via the incubator company Nycast," conscludes Thomas Olsson, one of the founders.

More information
Daniel Palo, business area manager, daniel.palo@swerim.se

Photo: From the left to the right: Thomas Olsson and Ralph Nyström, Nycast