BFI
Sebastian Bialek
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role within the HYDREAMS project?
My name is Sebastian Bialek and I am a research manager at the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (BFI) in Germany. Within the Hydreams project I am responsible for the analysis and adaption of a flat-flame burner for safe and low emission operation with hydrogen enhanced natural gas combustion, exploiting CFD-Simulations and near industrial burner trials. The overall goal is to enable a carbon free reheating process, by utilizing additive manufacturing for retrofitting purposes.
How does the collaboration within HYDREAMS align with your company’s sustainability goals?
One of BFIs main pillars is the decarbonization and improvement of energy efficiency for the process industry.
What role do you see hydrogen playing in the future of steel production?
Renewable energy comes, in most cases, in the form of electrical energy. Electrical heating is limited in temperature and energy density and thus not (yet) applicable for reheating processes. Hydrogen can be produced by electric energy and shows great combustion characteristics. Most importantly it’s carbon free and most technology for natural gas combustion can be used or retrofitted for hydrogen exploitation. Besides its utilization in combustion processes it is also viable for direct reduction of iron ores. Once accessibility and costs have settled, hydrogen may become the main contributor for carbon free steel production.
Jessica Schindhelm
Can you briefly introduce yourself and your role within the HYDREAMS project?
My name is Jessica Schindhelm and I am a research manager at the VDEh-Betriebsforschungsinstitut GmbH (BFI) in Germany. In this project, I am responsible for the trials on the influence of hydrogen-enriched fuel gases on the product quality as well as on potential raw materials for additive manufacturing of burner parts. Using thermogravimetric analysis and material testing, we assess oxidation behavior, decarburization and potential effects on mechanical properties to develop optimal process conditions
How does the collaboration within HYDREAMS align with your company’s sustainability goals?
BFI supports its partners in implementing sustainable and efficient production processes and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. One current focus is on the transition to hydrogen usage without compromising process and product quality. HYDREAMS actively contributes to CO₂ reduction in industrial steel production by developing and testing hydrogen-based combustion technologies
What role do you see hydrogen playing in the future of steel production?
Hydrogen will play a crucial role in the future of steel production by enabling a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions and driving the industry toward climate neutrality. As a clean energy source, it offers a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in high-temperature processes like reheating and annealing. With projects like HYDREAMS we are laying the foundation for a hydrogen-powered steel industry that is both competitive and environmentally friendly.