Metalysis further boosts its sustainability credentials: purchase of Argon recycling system will save Metalysis 350 tonnes of argon each year – giving direct annual savings of 1000 tonnes of CO2
Metalysis, the global leader in the manufacture of critical metal and alloy powders, including lightweight and refractory high-entropy materials for space, aerospace, defence and other advanced manufacturing sectors, has contracted with world leaders in gas recycling – clean tech firm Gas Recovery and Recycle Limited (GR2L) to install an argon recycling system, ArgonØ™ – the world’s-leading argon recycling system.
Metalysis uses argon to create an inert atmosphere throughout its patented production process and across all of its reactor sizes – which range from Gen 1 producing grammes of output per run, to Gen 4 which produces tens of tonnes per annum. Argon is an inert gas and so protects the metal and alloy powders from contamination from atmospheric gases – particularly oxygen – as well as nitrogen and hydrogen.
Installing this system will save Metalysis 350 tonnes of argon each year as 95% of the argon is recycled. The resulting reduction in energy used to process new argon and to transport it, will mean there are annual savings of 1000 tonnes of Scope 3 CO2. Every tonne of argon purchased brings with it at least another 2-4 tonnes of Scope 3 CO2 equivalent. The ArgonØ™ recycling system has an energy footprint of less than 10% of conventional gas recycling systems.
For Metalysis – which owns the disruptive Metalysis FFC process – originally developed as an energy and efficiency saving alternative to traditional titanium production – and is capable of producing metal and alloy powders across 49 elements of the Periodic Table – this further demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability being built-in to the production process. The Metalysis FFC process is already 50% more energy-saving than traditional titanium production processes generating powders for additive manufacturing, as it reduces oxides in the solid state rather than being a melting technology.
As well as focusing upon capacitor grade tantalum powders; aluminium scandium alloys for semiconductors and lightweight structural applications; development of refractory alloys such as niobium hafnium alloy (C103); and an expertise in titanium, Metalysis specialises in groundbreaking high entropy alloys – with uses in extreme environments whilst having energy saving qualities – all showing Metalysis’ technology driving sustainability metrics in end-applications.
GR2L, which like Metalysis is a UK-based entity, owns and operates the ArgonØ™ system which recovers, purifies and recycles exhaust purge argon gas from industrial processes. Working with Metalysis is a strategic step for GR2L to expand beyond its traditional markets such as solar photovoltaics and microelectronics, into advanced manufacturing and the materials processing sectors.
Nitesh Shah, CEO Metalysis: “Argon recycling achieves another milestone in the Metalysis sustainability story. We are already a highly energy competitive process when compared to conventional melting technologies, whilst our ability to create lightweight alloys furthers the sustainability agenda of our end-users. Saving argon and resultant Scope 3 CO2 proudly cements us further as a responsible business.”