Henri Pauna

Henri Pauna is a researcher at the Process Metallurgy Research Unit of the University of Oulu, Finland, specializing in advanced process monitoring techniques for sustainable steel production. His work focuses on hydrogen plasma smelting reduction (HPSR) of iron ore, a promising technology for decarbonizing the steel industry which accounts for approximately 7-8% of global CO₂ emissions.

Dr. Pauna's research interests center on optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and image analysis for process monitoring in metallurgical applications. His work examines the optical spectra of hydrogen plasma during iron ore reduction, identifying key radiating species such as atomic hydrogen, iron, and oxygen together with FeO molecules. He investigates how these spectral signatures correlate with process parameters and metallization degrees, providing critical insights for process control and optimization in sustainable steelmaking.

His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding plasma-liquid interactions in HPSR processes across laboratory and pilot-scale reactors. The research shows how OES can detect metallization progression through Fe I/Ar I intensity ratios and monitor slag formation through CaO emissions. These findings help address the challenge of light absorption by dust and water vapor during reduction processes.

Dr. Pauna actively collaborates with European research institutions including Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung, Montanuniversität Leoben, and K1-MET GmbH on projects funded by the Academy of Finland, Business Finland, and European Union research programs. His work contributes to the development of carbon-neutral steel production technologies through the Genome of Steel and ROC projects.