U.S. Steel Proposes Project for Coke Alternative
$150-million Alabama project would have co-generating potential
$150-million Alabama project would have co-generating potential
United States Steel filed permit applications for a proposed carbon-alloy synthesis operation and co-generation plant at the Port of Epes in Alabama. The plant site is in west central Alabama, southwest of Birmingham and USS's integrated Fairfield Works.
The project is estimated at more than $150 million.
According to USS, the operation would use technology supplied by Carbonyx Inc. to convert coal into Cokonyx — a carbon-alloy product that can be used in place of traditionally manufactured coke. Coke is a concentrated carbon product used as an oxidant in ironmaking, in preparation for steelmaking. As an integrated steelmaker, USS consumes high volumes of coke annually, though producing coke is expensive and environmentally taxing.
The Carbonyx technology, USS states, “results in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption when compared to a traditional coke making facility, or other commercial non-recovery processes. Additionally, the gasses created during the process would be utilized in the proposed cogeneration facility.”
"The future of steelmaking requires new thinking and the use of breakthrough technologies in order to operate in cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways," according to USS chairman and CEO John P. Surma. "By partnering with Carbonyx, Inc., U.S. Steel is demonstrating its willingness to utilize innovative technologies as alternatives to traditional coke making that will still result in a high-quality carbon source for our Fairfield Works and ensure consistent environmental performance and compliance."
USS’s Carbonyx plant would produce 250,000 tons/year of Cokonyx — all of which would be used at the Fairfield Works.
Once the new plant has reached it full capacity and “adequate product testing has occurred,” USS indicates it may proceed with “further phases subject to business conditions.” It says it will work with appropriate agencies and stakeholders to complete permitting for the initial phase, which it expects to be completed later this year. A decision to proceed will then depend on successful permitting, business conditions, and USS board approval.
The project is estimated at more than $150 million.
According to USS, the operation would use technology supplied by Carbonyx Inc. to convert coal into Cokonyx — a carbon-alloy product that can be used in place of traditionally manufactured coke. Coke is a concentrated carbon product used as an oxidant in ironmaking, in preparation for steelmaking. As an integrated steelmaker, USS consumes high volumes of coke annually, though producing coke is expensive and environmentally taxing.
The Carbonyx technology, USS states, “results in a significant reduction in emissions and energy consumption when compared to a traditional coke making facility, or other commercial non-recovery processes. Additionally, the gasses created during the process would be utilized in the proposed cogeneration facility.”
"The future of steelmaking requires new thinking and the use of breakthrough technologies in order to operate in cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways," according to USS chairman and CEO John P. Surma. "By partnering with Carbonyx, Inc., U.S. Steel is demonstrating its willingness to utilize innovative technologies as alternatives to traditional coke making that will still result in a high-quality carbon source for our Fairfield Works and ensure consistent environmental performance and compliance."
USS’s Carbonyx plant would produce 250,000 tons/year of Cokonyx — all of which would be used at the Fairfield Works.
Once the new plant has reached it full capacity and “adequate product testing has occurred,” USS indicates it may proceed with “further phases subject to business conditions.” It says it will work with appropriate agencies and stakeholders to complete permitting for the initial phase, which it expects to be completed later this year. A decision to proceed will then depend on successful permitting, business conditions, and USS board approval.
