NEWS
Welding shielding gas for reinforced concrete supports
By Reiner Knittel, Messer Schweiz
Switzerland | Sacac AG in Lenzburg produces high-quality structural elements made of reinforced concrete. Its product range includes, among other things, reinforced concrete supports, staircases, facade elements, restraint systems, and masts for power lines, radio transmitters and advertising. For welding steel reinforcement bars, the company uses Ferroline C18 from Messer. The gas ensures high weld quality and, as a result, guarantees the long-term stability of the components. To produce cylindrical elements, such as round columns or masts, Sacac relies on the spun concrete process. It solidifies the concrete in a rotating mold while a weight-saving hollow space forms inside the element. At the same time, it produces a high-strength concrete with a nearly pore-free surface.
Faster extrusion with nitrogen
By Bojana Blagojević, Messer Tehnogas
Serbia | At its new plant in Loznica, the global automotive supplier Minth Automotive Serbia uses liquid nitrogen from Messer to extrude aluminum. Messer also installed a nitrogen supply system there, which is expected to expand in stages. In addition, Minth uses the INCAL process developed by Messer: “INnerting and Cooling of ALuminium” cools the forming tool and the profile surface with liquid nitrogen. The reduced temperature can accelerate production and raise productivity accordingly. Moreover, the evaporated nitrogen creates an oxygen-free atmosphere, thereby preventing oxidation and protecting the surface of the metal parts. In total, seven plants will be installed at the site in Loznica.
Gases for the battle against Covid-19
By Gina Foster, Messer Americas
Brazil | In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Messer is supplying many hospitals with medical gases. This includes, among others, Oceânico Hospital in Niterói, which is one of the first center in Brazil solely dedicated to the treatment of Covid-19 patients. Messer in Brazil also supplies medical gases to the newly opened Dr. Ernesto Che Guevara Municipal Hospital in Maricá, and to M'Boi Mirim Hospital in São Paulo, where an additional 100-bed ward has been set up to treat Covid-19 patients.
New air separation unit in Speyer
By the Editorial Team
Germany | In October 2020, Messer started up its third air separation unit (LZA) in Germany. Located in Speyer on the grounds of insulation manufacturer SAINT-GOBAIN ISOVER G+H AG, it supplies oxygen used to raise the efficiency of burners in the company’s glass smelting operation. “Due to ISOVER’s growing demand, we started to think about adding capacity in the region,” explains Key Account Manager Peter Laux. “The customer also offered us a place to install the unit and signed a long-term supply agreement. In exchange, they receive a secure supply of oxygen under optimal conditions – a classic win-win situation.” Moreover, the additional unit strengthens Messer’s presence in southwestern Germany. Supply channels to many other customers have already been shortened significantly. The Rastatt-based company Basi has a stake in the unit and purchases part of the liquid products. The new air separation unit has a capacity of 260 metric tons of liquid nitrogen, 130 metric tons of liquid oxygen, and ten metric tons of liquid argon. A large share of the oxygen is supplied via pipeline directly to ISOVER in gaseous form.
