The EU-funded LIFE H2Reuse project, led by Tenova and DMV, aims to reduce emissions in steel production by recovering and reusing hydrogen from the bright annealing process.
Launched in July 2024, the LIFE H2Reuse project focuses on improving energy efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of bright annealing in seamless stainless steel and nickel alloy tube production. DMV, a leader in precision tube manufacturing, coordinates the project, with technical contributions from Tenova, a sustainability expert in the metals industry.
Hydrogen in the Bright Annealing Process
Currently, 100% hydrogen is used in high-temperature furnaces for superior surface quality and corrosion resistance. However, the gas is flared after each production cycle, leading to waste. LIFE H2Reuse addresses this issue by developing methods to recover and reuse hydrogen as fuel in radiant tubes
Innovative Technologies and Objectives
The project introduces groundbreaking solutions for atmospheric gas recovery, which is not yet commercially available. It also aims to enhance the performance of hydrogen burners in industrial environments.
The project is expected to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, energy consumption, and resource waste. Its technologies could benefit sectors using high-hydrogen-content gases, such as Tenova’s roller hearth furnaces, enabling reduced emissions and optimized costs.
LIFE H2Reuse marks a significant step toward sustainable industrial practices, setting new standards for hydrogen reuse in production.
