Alfa Laval scales up SSAB low carbon steel use for heat exchanger production

SSAB's lower-carbon SSAB Zero steel has entered large-scale production at Swedish industrial equipment manufacturer Alfa Laval, which is using the material to produce frames for its T21 welded plate heat exchangers.

Alfa Laval began testing SSAB's decarbonized steel in 2022 through pilot deliveries for prototype heat exchangers. Increased availability of SSAB Zero has now enabled the company to move to commercial-scale production at its plant in Lund, Sweden.

The use of SSAB Zero in the T21 heat exchanger frames can reduce CO2 emissions from the unit by up to 39 pct, Alfa Laval said.

SSAB Zero is produced using recycled steel, fossil-free electricity and biogas, resulting in virtually no fossil fuel emissions during production. Alfa Laval said the material provides comparable performance to the conventional steel used in its applications.

The move forms part of Alfa Laval's Concept Zero programme, which aims to develop the world's first fossil-free heat exchanger by 2030. The company plans to further decarbonize other components, including stainless steel, titanium and sealing materials.

Alfa Laval also plans to expand the use of SSAB Zero to other products and manufacturing sites as part of its broader decarbonization strategy.

SSAB is a Nordic and North American steel producer specializing in high-strength steels, quenched and tempered steels, strip, plate and tubular products. The company is transforming its Nordic operations by replacing blast furnace production with electric arc furnaces, aiming to significantly reduce carbon emissions while maintaining an annual steel production capacity of approximately 8.8 mln tons.