Helix Carbon unveils process to cut blast furnace emissions and lower iron costs

Helix Carbon proposes a retrofit for existing blast furnaces that recycles the furnace’s CO₂ emissions into usable carbon monoxide via a robust electrolyzer capable of handling unpurified exhaust. This recycled gas can replace a portion of the coke traditionally burned to provide heat, potentially cutting coke consumption by about 33% and saving iron producers roughly $14 per ton, a notable margin improvement in a low-profit sector.

While scientific estimates of coke reduction vary, the startup argues its approach offers a win-win by slashing carbon output and boosting profitability. To generate early revenue, Helix Carbon will first market the technology to the specialty chemicals industry, converting the captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals on site. The concept was showcased live at the Startup Battlefield competition at one outlet Disrupt in San Francisco.