On August 9, Hyundai Motor Group’s in-house startup, 3I Solution, held a “demo day,” at which it unveiled an industrial neutron composition analyzer.
The project originated when Hyundai Steel began exploring technologies for improving its scrap iron classification in 2018. Recognized for its business potential, 3I Solution was selected for Hyundai Group’s startup team in 2021. After two years of research and development, the team was able to successfully validate the performance of the composition analyzer, and is eyeing a corporate spin-off this year. The 3 “I”s in the corporate name stand for “Innovation of Invisible Inspection”.
The newly developed neutron composition analyzer utilizes the unique gamma rays produced when elements react with neutrons to analyze the composition of materials. By using the neutron composition analyzer, comprehensive inspections can be conducted during material transfer, and the real-time data generated can be applied to the operational process to enhance production efficiency. Conventional processes for analyzing the composition of iron ore and scrap iron take an average of around 8 hours from material sampling to inspection.
In addition, a product for analyzing the composition of spent battery black powder is in the final stages of development, and plans are underway to expand its application to the burgeoning secondary battery recycling industry.
Hyundai Steel is currently evaluating the implementation of 3I Solution’s neutron composition analyzer at its facilities. The move is intended to secure cost-competitiveness by deriving the optimal ratios for raw material blending and predicting precursor usage data. In addition, it is anticipated that the analyzer will be applied to advanced scrap iron composition analysis, which is expected to see increased demand as the industry shifts towards carbon-neutral production systems.