Hyundai Steel develops first locally-made industrial neutron analyzer

Members of the 3I Solution team pose in front of the neutron composition analyzer. [HYUNDAI STEEL]

Hyundai Steel has successfully developed an industrial neutron composition analyzer in collaboration with 3I Solution, Hyundai Motor Group’s in-house startup, in a first for Korea.

A neutron composition analyzer maps out the composition of raw materials using the unique gamma rays generated when elements react with neutrons.

Until now, the market has been dominated by overseas companies and this domestic breakthrough will significantly enhance material efficiency. It not only provides a real time analysis of iron ore and iron scrap during the production process but also helps determine the optimal material composition.

The conventional analysis of the makeup of iron ore and iron scrap takes an average of about 8 hours from raw material sampling to inspection.

In contrast, the neutron composition analyzer enables inspections while materials are being transferred. It also facilitates the real-time integration of data into the manufacturing process and is particularly valuable in terms of production efficiency.

Staffed by Hyundai Motor Group employees, 3I Solution began developing the analyzer in 2018 as Hyundai sought to enhance the iron scraping process.

3I Solution, where 3I stands for Innovation of Invisible Inspection, was recognized for its business value and invited by Hyundai Steel to jointly develop the project in 2021. The project has since undergone performance verification and is now close to practical implementation.

A composition analyzer for black powder from waste batteries is also nearing completion. This innovation is expected to be widely used in the secondary battery recycling industry, which has recently come under the spotlight.

"We will gradually expand our market share through customization and the price competitiveness of domestically produced neutron composition analyzers. We aim to lead and support innovation in various fields, including the secondary battery recycling and non-destructive analysis markets, as well as the steel industry," a 3I Solution official said.

While Hyundai Steel is considering the on-site implementation of 3I Solution’s neutron composition analyzer, the analysis is expected to be extended to prime iron material composition as well. This aligns with the anticipated increase in demand due to the transition toward a carbon-neutral production system.

BY KIM SU-HYEON [kim.suhyeon4@joongang.co.kr]