Blast furnace operators can typically reduce operating costs by injecting alternative fuels—most commonly pulverized coal—along with hot air, thereby lowering the required coke rate in the furnace. Supplemental oxygen enrichment is necessary to facilitate the combustion of the additional fuel. While this improves the furnace's economic efficiency, it also creates a host of technical and operational challenges. Fuel combustion at the inlet to the bosh causes the furnace shell to be subjected to higher thermal loads, while unburned material (coal) accumulates in the burden. This impedes gas flow and exhaust emissions, ultimately reducing furnace efficiency.

The patented SIP technology can reuse oxygen enrichment and deliver a series of controlled high-energy pulses to increase the local concentration in the raceway. This results in improved fuel combustion and conversion processes, and consequently, enhanced gas distribution and emission reduction potential. Furthermore, due to higher oxygen penetration, the generated thermal load is transferred more toward the central region of the furnace. The proportion of small coke in the furnace can be increased without sacrificing permeability or increasing the overall pressure drop. These conditions allow for higher coke replacement rates via injectants and increased production capacity, while avoiding the deterioration of operational conditions. The overall fuel consumption can be reduced, leading to additional benefits from lower carbon dioxide emissions. Thus, SIP technology offers numerous advantages in terms of significantly cutting overall operating costs and supporting blast furnace operators in their transition toward carbon neutrality. "This collaboration is of great significance for Primetals Technologies, as our production capabilities and expertise in blast furnace processes are complemented by HVK's extensive operational experience, particularly in large-scale units. For some time now, we have been working to support clients in developing carbon-neutral roadmaps. We recognize that new technologies will eventually replace blast furnaces, but these technologies will take a long time to mature. In the current context, technological improvements that reduce costs and enhance green credentials are critical for steel manufacturers worldwide. The development of this technology is not only timely, but the strengths of each partner make it ideally suited to meeting customer expectations."