K1-MET GmbH was once again represented together with other competence centers of the UAR Innovation Network at the Career Fair at the Wels Campus of the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria on 9 October 2025. The fair provided an excellent opportunity to connect with students and graduates from the fields of engineering, energy, life sciences, and business, and to share insights into career paths, internships, and job opportunities at K1-MET. Many thanks to everyone who visited our booth – we truly appreciated the great interest and inspiring conversations. A special thank you goes to UAR - Upper Austrian Research GmbH for the excellent organization! photo from left to right: Rebeka Frueholz, Clemens Habermaier and Sabrina Öllinger (K1-MET) #K1MET #research #forschung #event #careerfair #career #steelmaking #sustainability

K1-MET at the 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry From 7 to 12 September 2025, K1-MET participated in the 76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry in Mainz. This year’s ISE conference is under the topic “Electrochemistry: From Basic Insights to Sustainable Technologies”. Nina Plankensteiner and K1-MET are members of the ISE Division 5 “Electrochemical Process Engineering and Technology”. K1-MET was represented by Nina Plankensteiner who presented the latest scientific results from the PHOENIX HEU project in Symposium 11 “Electrochemical technologies for energy and industrial electrosynthesis at scale”. This project is funded by Horizon Europe. Her poster presentation focused on “Coupling of the cathodic CO2 reduction with PET-derived anodic ethylene glycol oxidation in a zero-gap electrolyzer”. photo: Nina Plankensteiner (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #electrochemistry #sustainabletechnologies #ISE2025

K1-MET at STEELSIM 2025 The 11th International Conference on Modelling and Simulation of Metallurgical Processes in Steelmaking took place in Třinec, Czech Republic, from 2 to 4 September 2025. This international forum brought together academia and industry to exchange knowledge on advances, challenges, and future directions in predictive modelling and steel process design. K1-MET also contributed with talks: ▪︎ Hannes Lumetzberger : Time-Extrapolation of an Industrial Tundish Case Using Recurrence CFD (rCFD) ▪︎ Alireza atf : Numerical Simulation of Multiphase Flow in the Submerged Entry Nozzle of the Continuous Casting Process Using an Eulerian-Eulerian Population Balance Model ▪︎ Xiaomeng Zhang: Hydrogen Removal during RH Degassing of Molten Steel: Real-time Recurrence CFD Predictions and Validation using Plant Data ▪︎ Ali Sedaghat : A Coupled CFD-DEM Modeling of Clogging in Submerged Entry Nozzle during Steel Continuous Casting photo: Xiaomeng Zhang, Ali Sedaghat, Alireza Atf and Hannes Lumetzberger (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #STEELSIM2025 #modelling #simulation #predictivemodels #metallurgy

K1-MET at the Business Run Linz 2025 Once again this year, K1-MET took part in the Business Run Linz – with great team spirit, athletic commitment, and plenty of motivation. Our colleagues delivered a strong performance not only on the course but also as a team. Team 1: Lukas Gupfinger Nina Plankensteiner Gerhard Holzinger Team 2: Christa Mühlegger Sebastian Bönisch Clemens Habermaier Thank you to everyone who participated – we’re already looking forward to next year! photo from left to right: Lukas Gupfinger, Christa Muehlegger, Nina Plankensteiner, Gerhard Holzinger, Clemens Habermaier and Sebastian Boenisch (K1-MET GmbH) © was-tuat-si.at #K1MET #forschung #research #K1METRunners #BusinessRunLinz #teamspirit

Welcome Eva Katharina Muster ! Katharina Muster works as Assistant at K1-MET. Her working place is at the K1-MET office in Leoben. Besides the work on different administrative and organizational tasks the aim of her work is to assist the leader team as well as the team on site in all belongings. Katharina completed her final exam at Semmering more than 20 years ago and has more than 10 years of experience in a similar technical R & D environment. The entire K1-MET team wishes a good start. We are pleased to have you in our team. Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dpTSKQHG #K1MET #facesofk1met #team #assistance #administration #organization

Support K1-MET in the diversity4innovation AWARD 2025! K1-MET GmbH has been nominated for the diversity4innovation AWARD, represented by Hamideh Hassanpour , who shares her inspiring story as an Iranian researcher finding new opportunities in Austria. Public voting is open once per day per IP address until 19 September 2025 – every vote counts! Please vote for Hamideh Hassanpour from K1-MET: https://lnkd.in/dfJSie49 By voting, you help us highlight how international diversity drives innovation and shapes the future of research. Thank you for your support! #K1MET #forschung #research #diversity4innovation #teamwork #diversityinscience #innovation #votenow

K1-MET at the ASMET Materials Workshop at the European Forum Alpbach 2025 At this year’s Materials Workshop on AI applications in materials development and production organized by ASMET, Austrian Society for Metallurgy and Materials , Christine Gruber from K1-MET gave a presentation on “Digital twins of metallurgical processes for an efficient production of high quality steels”. Her talk demonstrated how the integration of physics-based simulations and data-driven models enables more efficient processes and supports the production of high-quality steels. photo: Christine Gruber (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #forschung #research #steelmaking #digitaltwin #simulation #datadrivenmodels

As part of a Chemiereport portrait series on young scientists at Lower Austria’s Technopol locations, Anna Sieber from K1-MET shares her unconventional path to environmental biotechnology. Today, as a PhD student at the Institute of Environmental Biotechnology (BOKU) in Tulln, she works within K1-MET’s COMET Module FuLIBatteR to develop innovative bioleaching methods for recovering critical metals like lithium, phosphorus, and cobalt from spent lithium-ion batteries. Her approach: identifying and using specialised peptides to selectively extract metals from solution – paving the way for more sustainable battery recycling. Read the full story in Chemiereport (p. 54): https://lnkd.in/dnTQDnt5 photo: Anna Sieber from K1-MET GmbH (© Daniel Hinterramskogler) #K1MET #forschung #research #FuLIBatteR #environmentalbiotechnology #batteryrecycling

K1-MET has been nominated for the diversity4innovation AWARD 2025! At K1-MET, we believe that true innovation happens when people from different backgrounds work together. Representing our team in the video submission is Hamideh Hassanpour , who shares her personal story as an Iranian researcher who found new opportunities in Austria. The award honors initiatives that promote diversity and innovation – and we are thrilled to be among the nominees! A big thank you to UAR - Upper Austrian Research GmbH for this opportunity to highlight the power of international diversity in science. Public voting opens today on 18 August 2025 and runs until 19 September. Please vote for Hamideh Hassanpour from K1-MET: https://lnkd.in/dcEUACfN By voting for K1-MET, you support a vision where diversity drives innovation and teamwork shapes the future of research. Thank you for your support! #K1MET #forschung #research #diversity4innovation #teamwork #diversityinscience #innovation #votenow

#diversity4innovation ‼️ 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐡𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐬! 𝐀𝐛 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠, 𝟏𝟖.𝟎𝟖.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓, 𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐝𝐮 𝐭ä𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐬 𝐳𝐮𝐦 𝟏𝟗.𝟎𝟗.𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐟ü𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭*𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧. 🌍 Wer gestaltet unsere Zukunft vielfältig? 14 herausragende Persönlichkeiten. 14 einzigartige Perspektiven auf Diversität. Hier sind die Nominierten für den ersten 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲𝟒𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 im UAR Innovation Network: ➡️ Mahin Ahmed | Silicon Austria Labs ➡️ Natalia Bedoya Martinez | Materials Center Leoben Forschung GmbH (MCL) ➡️ Manuela Geiß | SCCH Software Competence Center Hagenberg ➡️ Ouijdane Guiza | Pro2Future GmbH ➡️ Hamideh Hassanpour | K1-MET GmbH ➡️ Roxana Holom | RISC Software GmbH ➡️ Daniela Kirchberger | PROFACTOR ➡️ Daniel Louback S. Lubanco | Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH ➡️ Astrid Elisabeth Macher | Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH (PCCL) ➡️ Marie Macherhammer | HyCentA Research GmbH ➡️ Klarissa Meirer | RECENDT GmbH - Research Center for Non-Destructive Testing ➡️ Latifeh Nasseri | Wood K plus - Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH ➡️ Giulia Scampone | LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen ➡️ Karin Wieland | Competence Center CHASE GmbH Mit ihrem Einsatz für Diversität, Chancengleichheit und Inklusion gestalten sie die Forschung – jede und jeder auf ganz eigene Weise: 🔹 durch wissenschaftliche Arbeit, die Perspektivenvielfalt integriert, 🔹 als Vorbilder für Inklusion und Gleichberechtigung, 🔹 oder durch konkretes Engagement, um Barrieren abzubauen und Talente zu fördern. 👉 Wir haben ihre beeindruckenden Geschichten für euch zusammengefasst. Lerne jetzt die 14 Nominierten kennen: https://lnkd.in/dTDq64MA #ResearchMoves #UARInnovationNetwork #UAR #UpperAustrianResearch #UpperAustria #Research #Science #Technology #Innovation #Sustainability #Excellence #Future #People #Diversity Die Initiative wird unterstützt von: Austria Wirtschaftsservice (aws) | FFG Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH | WKO Oberösterreich 📽️©UAR

We are proud to announce the publication of a new peer-reviewed paper in the journal Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B with Daniel Kavić of K1-MET as the main author. The paper presents a hybrid approach for enhanced temperature prediction in ladle furnace steel refining combining computational thermodynamics with statistical learning methods. This research demonstrates how steelmakers can use process data to investigate process influences that affect the steel temperature and combine it with modern thermodynamic databases such as FactSage to gain deeper insights into optimized temperature control in steel production. The work forms an important part of the developed “i-clean” software, which can be used to investigate secondary steelmaking processes. The full paper is available here: https://rdcu.be/eyV0U #K1MET #forschung #research #steelmaking #computationalthermodynamics #machinelearning #statisticallearning #temperaturecontrol #sustainability

Continued progress in K1-MET Project ECO2LIFE! Our team and project partners gathered in Linz and online for a productive project meeting. We reviewed our progress and mapped out the next key steps. We’re right on track to collect our first new measurement data this summer! All new systems will be installed during the upcoming routine maintenance shutdown – careful planning is essential to stay aligned with our tight schedule. Exciting times ahead as we continue pushing the boundaries in steelmaking, enhancing converter lifetime, and driving sustainability forward. Find out more about the ECO2LIFE project: https://lnkd.in/dHmCQBwx Photo from left to right: Paul Fischer (PTAT), Aidong Hu (RHI-M), Ulrich Marshall (RHI-M), Klemens Winkler (K1-MET), Ludwig Nocke (voestalpine Steel Division), Raimund Fritz (voestalpine Steel Division), Sandro Michele Russi (K1-MET), Markus Chromy (PTAT), Paul Oberhumer (PTAT), online Dietmar Gruber (MUL-CoC) #K1MET #forschung #research #ECO2LIFE #steelmaking #converter #sustainability #innovation

K1-MET Press Release METACAST: How digital models are revolutionizing steel production JUST magazine interviewed DI Dr. Christine Gruber (Management Area 3 – Simulation and Data Analyses of K1-MET GmbH). The article is about the digital transformation of steel production through advanced modeling. The European project METACAST aims to unlock the full industrial potential of numerical simulation in continuous casting by establishing a shared modeling culture across research and industry. The project bridges academia and industry through open trainings, expert events, and a digital expert map. Digital twins – virtual representations of real-world processes – enable more precise control, increased workplace safety, and more environmentally friendly steel production. As an accompanying measure to technical research projects, METACAST focuses on two core objectives: promoting the application of model-based insights in industrial practice and training employees in the competent use of these new technologies. The goal: enhance product quality, reduce environmental impact, drive social improvements, and prepare the steel industry for a more sustainable and efficient future. Here you can read the German article: https://lnkd.in/dguw5f_j source: Sirius Alexander Pansi (JUST Verlags GmbH) photo: mold flows (© Hadi BARATI / K1-MET GmbH ) #K1MET #article #forschung #research #METACAST #steelindustry #sustainability #digitalization

K1-MET at the 9th International Congress on the Science and Technology of Steelmaking (ICS) from 2 – 5 July 2025 The International Congress on the Science and Technology of Steelmaking provided a forum for academic and industrial researchers to present their work on topics in process metallurgy, particularly those related to steel production, refining and casting. K1-MET contributed to the programme with several technical presentations in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners: “Shear thinning behavior of mold fluxes below the liquidus temperature” Irmtraud Marschall (K1-MET), Nathalie Gruber, Harald Harmuth (both MUL), Selina Riedler (VASD) “Modeling the decarburization and degassing process in the Ruhrstahl-Heraeus unit using computational thermodynamics” Daniel Kavić (K1-MET), Michael Bernhard, Christian Bernhard (both MUL), Roman Rössler (VAS), Rainer Hochfellner (VASD), Georg Gruber, Ugur Demirhan (both PTAT) “Extending converter lifetime by leveraging advanced simulations” Klemens Winkler (K1-MET), Dietmar Gruber (MUL), Raimund Fritz (VASL), Bernhard Voraberger (PTAT), Ulrich Marshall (RHIM), Christine Gruber (K1-MET) “Numerical modeling of initial deposit formation on SEN wall and its effects on clogging phenomena during continuous casting” Hadi BARATI (K1-MET), Menghuai Wu (MUL) These contributions highlight the importance of simulation, materials modeling, and digital approaches in advancing the efficiency, sustainability, and performance of modern steel production. Photo from left to right: Irmtraud Marschall, Susanne Michelic , Daniel Kavic and Klemens Winkler (K1-MET) #K1MET #research #forschung #ICS2025 #steelmaking #simulation #modeling

K1-MET is proud to present its latest research in a special issue of Berg- und Huettenmaennische Monatshefte (BHM), focusing on key challenges like decarbonization, resource efficiency, and digitalization in the steel industry. The eight featured articles showcase our work across modeling, lab experiments, pilot plant development, and industrial data analysis. Highlights include CO2 capture with amine scrubbers, AI applications in blast furnace optimization, and battery recycling in the InduRed reactor. Together with our partners, we’re driving innovation for a sustainable and digital future in metallurgy. The issue is available at the following link: https://lnkd.in/dy88bPQe K1-MET Publications: Editorial – Christine Gruber Halwax et al.: “Experimental Investigation of Additive Dissolution Behavior in Slags and Analysis of Physical and Electrochemical Properties” Seidl et al.: “Heat transfer in the secondary cooling zone of a continuous casting plant” Wiszniewski ( Lukas Wiszniewski ) et al.: “Pre-treatment strategies for efficient pyrometallurgical recycling within the InduRed reactor” Muehlegger ( Christa Mühlegger ) et al.: “Using process simulation to support decarbonization in the steel industry” Kogler ( Alexandra Kogler ) et al.: “Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Using Amine-Scrubbing at An Integrated Steel Mill” Kiss ( Matthias Kiss ) / Nanz ( Thomas Nanz ) et al.: “Towards a Better Understanding of the Alternative Reducing Agent Conversion in the Raceway Zone of the Blast Furnace” Thumfart ( Maria Thumfart ) et al.: “Making RH fit for green steel production: A multi-method approach to process monitoring” Wachlmayr ( Johannes Wachlmayr ) et al.: “Explainable artificial intelligence for predictive modeling of the blast furnace alkali output” #K1MET #research #forschung #steelmaking #modeling #dataanalysis #pilotplantdevelopment #decarbonization #digitalization

K1-MET at the Biochar Summit 2025 in Brussels From 10 – 11 June 2025, the Biochar Summit – Progress, Potentials & Pathways of Biochar in Europe brought together leading researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to explore the latest innovations and solutions in the field of biochar and pyrolysis. Biochar and pyrolysis were presented as promising, solution-oriented technologies addressing critical topics such as air, soil and water remediation, material and metallurgical applications, and Biochar Carbon Removal (BCR). K1-MET was proud to contribute to this important dialogue with two technical presentations: “Current status and prospects for biochar application in iron and steelmaking” Lina Kieush , Johannes Gabl (K1-MET), Johannes Rieger (K1-MET, co-author), Christoph Feilmayr (voestalpine Stahl GmbH) “The irreplaceable need for carbon of a transformed steel industry” Christoph Feilmayr (voestalpine Stahl GmbH), Johannes Gabl, Johannes Rieger (K1-MET, co-author), Lina Kieush (K1-MET) photo: Lina Kieush and Johannes Gabl (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #research #forschung #BiocharSummit2025 #decarbonization #carbonremoval #pyrolysis #biochar

On 5 June 2025, Melanie Leitner from K1-MET GmbH presented two RFCS projects ( HBI C-Flex and Safe H-DRI Project ) at the ESTEP Spring Dissemination Event in Krakow. Both projects are coordinated by K1-MET. ▪︎ HBI C-Flex focuses on the reoxidation behaviour and stability of direct reduced and hot briquetted iron with variable iron and carbon content (more information: www.hbi-c-flex.eu ). ▪︎ Safe H-DRI addresses safe handling and transport of hydrogen-based direct reduced iron for a decarbonisation of the steel industry (more information: www.safe-h-dri.eu ). In her presentations, Melanie provided an overview of both projects, their expected outcomes and shared some first experimental results. The event offered an excellent opportunity to share progress with the European steel research community and to promote cooperation among various projects. photo: Presentation by Melanie Leitner (K1-MET GmbH) #K1MET #research #forschung #ESTEP #SafeHDRI #HBICFlex #RFCS #decarbonisation #metallurgy

As part of the event series initiated by Max Hiegelsberger, President of the Upper Austrian State Parliament, Irmela Kofler from K1-MET GmbH was invited as a speaker on 2 June 2025 in Wels. Under the thematic umbrella „Raus aus der Nebelzone – Umbau des Energiesystems“ (Out of the Fog – The Transformation of the Energy System), Irmela Kofler provided expert insights into the decarbonisation of the metallurgical industry. Her talk at the Welios Science Center highlighted the challenges and opportunities of a sustainable transformation in energy-intensive sectors. The event series was carried out in close cooperation with the UAR - Upper Austrian Research GmbH and the Federation of Austrian Industries Upper Austria ( Industriellenvereinigung Oberösterreich ). photo top left from left to right: Irmela Kofler and Oliver Maier (K1-MET GmbH); photo bottom left from left to right: Max Hiegelsberger (President of the Upper Austrian State Parliament), DI Dr. Irmela Kofler (K1-MET GmbH), Univ.-Prof. Dr. Johannes Reichl (JKU Energieinstitut), Sabine Binder (Second President of the Upper Austrian State Parliament), Dr. Tim Bieringer (FH OOE), Dr. Christine Haiden (Moderation) (© Land OOE/Stinglmayr); photo right: Hydrogen exhibit #K1MET #research #forschung #energytransition #decarbonisation #metallurgy #sustainableindustry