Calix, RHI Magnesita to work on CO2 emissions reduction in the refractory industry

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Australian technology company Calix Limited has executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RHI Magnesita – the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions.

The MOU covers the development of a Calix Flash Calciner for use in the production of refractory materials, which will enable CO2 separation for either utilisation or storage.

Under the terms of the agreement, the two parties will undertake studies up to and including basic Front End Engineering and Design for a commercial-scale demonstration facility at an RHI Magnesita site.

Calix has been processing magnesite – the main raw material in the production of refractories – at its Bacchus Marsh facility for water treatment products since 2013.

Adertisement

Phil Hodgson, Managing Director of Calix, said the application of the company’s technology to refractory products has been the subject of pilot scale test work during 2020, with larger scale test work currently underway.

“We are delighted to be working with RHI Magnesita, the world’s leading refractory company, on this important opportunity to help decarbonise the refractory industry, as well as looking at strategic opportunities in our high reactivity magnesium oxide businesses,” Mr Hodgson added.

Luis Bittencourt, Chief Technology Officer, RHI Magnesita, said separation and storage or reuse of CO2 released from carbonate minerals is a crucial step in decarbonising the refractory industry and thus the production processes of materials such as steel, cement and lime.

“We are pleased to be working with Calix on this project, which is a key part of the research and development programme on CO2 emissions reduction that we are carrying out over the next five years,” he continued.

“Together with our partners at Calix, we are seeking to develop new technologies for the capture, storage and utilisation of CO2 that would otherwise be emitted during the refractory production process.”

Image credit: https://www.calix.global/