--- title: "Blast Furnace Emissions Reduction Method Developed by Helix Carbon" url: https://noti.group/blast-furnace-emissions-reduction-method-developed-by-helix-carbon/ language: en publisher: "Noti Group" section: "Technology" published: 2026-10-13T21:15:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-14T01:44:47.571Z id: a059541c-908f-4479-93bd-902c1b7500e1 source: "TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/13/helix-carbon-makes-iron-cheaper-by-upcycling-blast-furnace-pollution-see-how-at-techcrunch-disrupt/" attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/blast-furnace-emissions-reduction-method-developed-by-helix-carbon/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Blast Furnace Emissions Reduction Method Developed by Helix Carbon A new method for reducing carbon emissions from blast furnaces has been developed by startup Helix Carbon. The iron and steel industries are among the world's most polluting sectors, with emissions from blast furnaces contributing significantly to greenhouse gas levels. Amidst efforts to reduce emissions, startups have focused on developing new methods for producing metals. However, Helix Carbon takes a different approach. According to David Brown, co-founder and CEO of Helix Carbon, "Any attempt to decarbonize the steel industry without dealing with the blast furnace is not going to work." The company's strategy involves cleaning up existing blast furnaces rather than replacing them. This approach has the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions from the steel industry. Blast furnaces have been used for centuries to produce iron by reacting iron ore with coke, a processed form of coal. Coke supplies heat but does not participate directly in the reaction, while carbon monoxide produced during combustion facilitates the reduction of iron's oxygen atoms. This process results in substantial CO2 emissions that are typically released into the atmosphere. Helix Carbon has developed a method to convert waste CO2 from blast furnaces back into carbon monoxide, which can be recycled and reused within the furnace. Helix Carbon's innovative process relies on an electrolyzer to break down carbon dioxide into usable components. This device uses electricity and a catalyst to separate oxygen from CO2, allowing for the production of carbon monoxide that can be recycled within the blast furnace. The startup's design is notable because it can handle raw exhaust from the blast furnace without requiring additional processing. Most electrolyzers are not equipped to handle such conditions, as they typically require purified and concentrated CO2 to operate effectively. By injecting carbon monoxide into a blast furnace, iron producers can potentially reduce their reliance on coke, a crucial component in the production process. The extent of this reduction is still being debated among industry experts, with estimates ranging from 30% to 90%. Helix Carbon proposes that iron producers start by replacing up to one-third of their coke usage, which would result in significant cost savings. According to company estimates, using their technology could save producers $14 per ton of iron produced. The iron and steel industries are a massive market, valued at over $2 trillion, making them an attractive target for innovative solutions like Helix Carbon's. However, the industry is characterized by long-lived equipment, with some blast furnaces operating for over 100 years. Helix Carbon's approach to reducing iron production costs hinges on its ability to convert waste streams into valuable chemicals. By utilizing CO2 directly without capturing it first, Helix Carbon opens up new possibilities for on-site chemical production from waste streams. The company is taking a pragmatic route by initially targeting the specialty chemicals industry, which requires revenue sooner rather than later. This strategy allows Helix Carbon to demonstrate its technology's potential in a more immediate and tangible way. As part of this effort, Helix Carbon presented its pitch at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco on Tuesday. Helix Carbon's innovative approach to recycling blast furnace pollution has garnered attention from investors and industry experts. The company presented its pitch at TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco on Tuesday, showcasing a potential game-changer for reducing iron production costs. By harnessing the power of recycled pollutants, Helix Carbon aims to make iron cheaper and more environmentally friendly. This innovative solution has sparked interest among attendees and online, with many weighing in on its feasibility. The presentation at TechCrunch Disrupt marked an important milestone for Helix Carbon, as it continues to develop and refine its recycling technology. The company's efforts have the potential to disrupt traditional iron production methods and make a significant impact on the environment. With its innovative approach gaining traction, Helix Carbon is poised to make waves in the industry. --- Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/13/helix-carbon-makes-iron-cheaper-by-upcycling-blast-furnace-pollution-see-how-at-techcrunch-disrupt/) Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/blast-furnace-emissions-reduction-method-developed-by-helix-carbon/