Research Programme to Investigate Hydrogen’s Impact on Refractories

19th June 2023

Work is due to start on research examining the potential impact on industrial processes when using hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. The UK's Materials Processing Institute has announced a research partnership with Trent Refractories and Kanthal to examine the potential impact on refractories of using hydrogen.

The Materials Processing Institute has established a research agreement to examine the potential impact on industrial processes of using hydrogen as an alternative fuel source. We are pleased to be part of the research project and more information will be announced over the course of the project.

Chris McDonald, chief executive of the Teesside-headquartered Materials Processing Institute, said: "The results of this collaborative research programme could have far-reaching effects given the range of industries that depend on refractory solutions, including iron and steel, aluminium, glass, power generation, petrochemicals and chemicals, and cement. Hydrogen is widely used here at the Institute, and it is crucial that we assess how it is used to help deliver long term solutions that shape and support the UK's transition to a low carbon economy."

Bob James, technical collaboration lead at the Institute, added: "It's already proven that hydrogen is an alternative clean fuel source capable of powering the majority of industrial processes. However, research is essential to assess how hydrogen may impact on the processes themselves, including its effect on refractory lining systems, the corrosion of certain compositions, and accelerated wear."

Katy Moss, Managing Director of Trent Refractories Ltd and the president of the Institute of Refractory Engineers, said: "We are very much looking forward to working with such dynamic partners. It means a lot to the team here at Trent Refractories, to be part of the solutions that enable our foundation industries not only to survive but to sustainably thrive."

Jesper Ejenstam, R&D manager of Kanthal, added: "Industry is entering a new age of decarbonisation with a mass shift towards electrification and the use of clean fuels such as hydrogen. Kanthal is proud to be part of the research that will ensure such innovations are industry ready."

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