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gasworld magazine

ISSN 1755-3857 www.gasworld.com October 2011 Issue 77

Medical applications

Aspects of optimism – and despair, Page 50

Oxymat A/S profile

Regional Markets: Focus on Japan

Nitrous oxide gas report

Features

ITH CO S T E L Pa UM WA ge N RT 2

The Cinderella gases Medical gas flow control Filling for gas sterilants

gasworld

Contents Interview 32 A watching brief

An interview with Izumi Ohe

Regional News

6 Europe

Oxygen study creates opportunities

10 Americas

Praxair acquires Cincinnati-based distributor

14 Pacific Rim

Interview

A watching brief

An interview with Izumi Ohe Celebrating 30 years of reporting on the Japanese gases business, The Gas Review President Izumi Ohe discusses the development and maturation of one of the biggest global gas markets. Page 32

Yingde Gases turnover surges

18 Asia/Africa/Middle East

Gulf Cryo appoints new CEO

20 Hydrogen/LNG/Financial Putting waste to good use

26 Hot Topic

Heated interest in O2 thanks to new research

magazines – website – conferences

gasworld magazine

ISSN 1755-3857 www.gasworld.com October 2011 Issue 77

Feature Articles

28 LNG valves in China

42 Gas and equipment

Medical gas flow control

44 Medical gases

The ‘Cinderella’ gases

46 Carbon dioxide in the medical field By Sam A. Rushing

48 10 minutes with... Matthias Kuhn

50 Regional markets Focus on: Japan

54 Medical oxygen

A major evolution in the market

The Cinderella gases Medical gas flow control Filling for gas sterilants Nitrous oxide gas report Oxymat A/S profile

ITH CO S T

Aspects of optimism – and despair, Page 50

Features Regional Markets: Focus on Japan

L E Pa UM WA ge N RT 28

A growing market segment for gases

A major evolution in the market Page 54

Medical applications

Laurie Huget

36 Medical applications

A growing market segment for gases Page 36

Medical oxygen

Keith Stewart

30 News from Cryo Corner

Medical applications

Hot Topic

Heated interest in O2 thanks to new research The Purdue University has published research that might just be the next major contribution to cancer treatment, and as Jane Dawson discovered, oxygen is at its heart.

Page 26

Regional Markets

Company Profile

56 Filling for chemical gas sterilants A case study

58 Nitrous oxide

Not a laughing matter

60 An introduction to... Cryobio equipment

62 Oxymat A/S

Independent sources of oxygen and nitrogen

Focus on: Japan

Oxymat A/S

Page 50

Page 62

Optimism and despair

Independent oxygen, nitrogen

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Welcome

Team MAGAZINE

Editor Rob Cockerill rob.cockerill@gasworld.com

hat unmistakable sense of sterility in the air, white coats, green scrubs and stethoscopes – the chances are that most of us will be familiar with these, having visited a hospital or medical centre at some point in our lifetimes. But how often do we think of the gases that play such a fundamental role in our medical sectors? Welcome to gasworld’s medical-themed October issue. This month we pay homage to the wealth of medical gases and equipment that goes into making the healthcare sector the advanced, cutting-edge industry that it is, from cryobiology and the lyophilisation of pharmaceuticals, to the helium used in MRI machines and the sterilants needed for surgical equipment. Of course, medical standards, protocols and practices vary across the globe, from region to region. So we provide some different perspectives on gases & equipment as applied in the medical field. For example, Larry Gallagher discusses medical gas flow control from a predominantly US perspective while on the other hand, we provide a brief case study of a quest for the safe filling and blending of chemical gas sterilants in North Africa. Somewhere between the two, Tony Wheatley explores the wealth of gas applications in the medical industry and describes how the medical gases business has expanded way beyond the historical supply of oxygen and anaesthesia gases. Medical oxygen is in fact an evolving market, with a recent ruling meaning that oxygen concentrators can now be installed in European hospitals, a development that Laurent Zenou explains on page 54. Aside from our focus on medical applications, look out for new columns from Keith Stewart and the Cryogenic Society of America (CSA). We also have a keen eye on Japan this month, with our Japan analysis and our interview of the month – both involving Izumi Ohe. As President of Japan’s esteemed industrial gas publication, The Gas Review, Ohe has observed the changing face of the Japanese gases business in the past 30 years. Here in our exclusive interview, he describes the boom and bust of the Japanese economy, the maturation of one of the largest global gas markets, and the recovery effort underway following this year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

Production Manager Jon Evans jon.evans@gasworld.com News Journalist Jane Dawson jane.dawson@gasworld.com Technical Writer Tony Wheatley tony.wheatley@gasworld.com

“

Graphic Designer Christina Goodfellow christina.goodfellow@gasworld.com Feature Writers Helen Carmichael Sam A. Rushing Roy Irani

“...from cryobiology and lyophilisation, to the helium used in MRI”

Translations Carlos Díaz Spanish Language

WEBSITE

Web Manager Darren Stevens darren.stevens@gasworld.com

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ADVERTISING

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EUROPE

News in brief WITT ENDORSES ALGAE APPLICATION THE GERMAN industrial gas technology specialist, WITT Gasetechnik, recently spoke out in endorsement of algae. The ‘crop of the future’ received particular attention in a recent press statement which highlighted WITT’s ability to meet all algae related needs with its portfolio of technology. According to the company, the demand for algae has been on the ascent both in Germany and abroad, since 2010. A company spokesman added, “Worldwide, algae producers and scientists are working extremely hard to make the manufacturing process more efficient. Already now, some nine million tons are harvested each year, and the trend is rising.” WITT was keen to pinpoint the particularly focal role played by carbon dioxide, which is meant to accelerate growth of the aquatic organism. Martin Bender explained the need for precision instruments in dosing and analysing the gases that assist cultivation. “Nutrients, heat and CO2 are the only preconditions – if these are perfectly combined, algae grow up to 20 times faster than land plants,” he said. The applications for algae are widespread; the green plants can be found in foods, animal feed, cosmetics, and medicines. Scientists hope to harness algae’s absorption of CO2 as a means of climate regulation, while trials are already underway investigating the use of algae in hydrogen production and battery technology for transport.

OxyStream solution | MONOGRAPH MARKS PROGRESS

Adoption of oxygen study creates opportunities in Europe for Oxymat DENMARK-BASED company Oxymat is optimistic about a new direction of growth for its oxygen generator technology, after a rule change by The European Pharmacopoeia Commission (PhEur). From what gasworld understands, the monograph (study) for oxygen 93% was adopted by the commission at the 136th Session of the PhEur in Strasbourg, France, in March 2010. Along with a number of other monographs either created or revised, the oxygen 93% study came into effect on 1st April 2011. According to a news item on the website of Oxymat, with 93% oxygen now accepted this could present big opportunities for medical oxygen PSA plants. The change means that oxygen generators complying with the rules are now allowed in European Hospitals. This gives exciting new opportunities to sell not only to the European market, but also to other geographical areas traditionally following the European legislations, Oxymat claims. The company has therefore

launched an R&D programme that will utilise its technology in a medical package not seen on the market before. Oxymat intends to use the Medica Fair in Düsseldorf, Germany this November to launch its new product line, which will include a dual generator system

“

with back-up cylinder lines, monitoring and control of all three oxygen sources, remote access and control via LAN, internet or radio, and a central monitor with traceability of oxygen purity, dew point, ﬂow, CO and CO2 and remaining pressure on back-up battery.

“This gives exciting opportunities to sell not only to the European market, but also to other areas following European legislations, Oxymat claims”

Oxygenation technology set to increase on-land fish production LINDE GASES has launched its new SOLVOX® OxyStream solution, a unique low-pressure oxygenation system to help signiﬁcantly increase on-land ﬁsh production. Stefan Dullstein, Head of Industrial Segment Aquaculture & Water Treatment at Linde commented, “Linde has always played a pioneering role in gas technology within the food production and processing market.” He added, “We are delighted to introduce such an

effective and environmentally sustainable solution to combat the challenges of dissolving a sufﬁcient amount of oxygen in very large tanks and distributing it evenly by creating an adjustable ﬂow regime.” The new technology accommodates the growing trend moving aquaculture production from sea cages to land-based sites. According to Linde it is a challenging environment and one which the new device is tailored towards.

It promises to dissolve the correct amount of oxygen in the inlet water flow, while it also distributes it evenly at an adjustable flow pattern throughout the tank. Furthermore, the unit combats the concentration of dissolved inert gases like nitrogen, argon and CO2. It pays particular attention to balancing over saturation of nitrogen which can precipitate disease and even death in fish stock. • www.gasworld.com/5875 www.gasworld.com/europe

EUROPE

solar cells in the spotlight | export award

Growing importance of industrial gases to solar cells is highlighted Messer GMbH is investing efforts into thin-film solar cells that are both environmentally friendly and versatile. In a recent corporate statement the firm highlighted the importance of industrial gas to this burgeoning arc of environmentally friendly power. Compared with conventional solar cells, consisting of silicon crystals, the eco-alternative only requires a fraction of raw material and is purported as much more flexible to use. budapest’s, Greensolar equipment Manufacturing Ltd., develops and produces what are called tandem thin-film cells; their silicon layers are only a few micrometers thick because they are formed from gaseous precursors. but as Messer emphasised, other industrial gases are also important. Without a doubt, the most important ingredient is silicon, nevertheless as

Messer explained, its use is associated with problematic Co2 emissions. “The production of pure silicon requires large amounts of energy and is associated with considerable Co2 emissions. The crystalline form also places considerable restrictions on the possibilities of processing and forming. That is why there is growing interest in types of silicon that are suitable for photovoltaics but require the use of much less material while at the same time being easier to process.” According to Messer, these requirements are best met by amorphous and microcrystalline silicon. “Greensolar uses the

“

so-called tandem process, whereby layers of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon are formed on top of each other. The two materials have different properties; in combination they form a cost-effective solar cell with a relatively high degree of efficiency,” the firm explained. In order to produce the thinnest possible layers, photovoltaic materials are vapor-deposited onto a base layer. To begin with, they have to be supplied in gaseous form and fixed to the base in a sophisticated process. This involves the use of silane as well as gaseous compounds of boron and phosphorus.

“the two materials have different properties; in combination they form a cost-effective solar cell with a relatively high degree of efficiency”

flowserve corporation’s pumps play a key role at world first solar plant FLoWserve Corporation’s pumps are performing to expectations in critical applications at the world’s first commercial concentrated solar power (CsP) plant utilising a central tower receiver with thermal storage capabilities. Located near seville, spain, the 19.9 megawatt (MW) Gemasolar power plant employs molten salt as the heat transfer fluid, an innovative technology that allows for the continuous generation of electricity 24 hours a day for many months throughout the year. Due to the molten salt storage design, the CsP plant is capable of energy production for up october 2011

to 15 hours without sunlight, helping to avoid fluctuations in the region’s power supply. At the heart of the CsP plant are seven specially-configured Flowserve vertical turbine pumps (vTPs) capable of sustaining temperatures up to 600°C (1,100°F) and generating pressures up to 100 bar (1,450 psi). Materials of construction for these high process temperatures include stainless steel alloys to minimise thermal growth and forestall shaft deflection. These pumps are designed for excellent heat dissipation and include Flowserve dry gas fluid sealing systems to

specifically handle the molten salt. In addition, low pump submergence allows the liquid level to be drawn down further in the storage tanks for greater energy generation. These specially-adapted vTPs may be deployed in pump lengths up to 20 metres (65 feet). Tom Ferguson, President of Flow solutions Group, said in a company press release, “our close relationship with seNer, as well as our 70 years of experience in molten metal pumping applications, was crucial in the successful commissioning of this unique solar power plant.” • www.gasworld.com/5888

News in brief OxfOrd Instruments receIves Queen’s AwArd fOr expOrt UK company oxford Instruments plasma Technology recently received a stately visit, as the manufacturer of high performance equipment for the semiconductor industry received a Queen’s award. Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Gass, visited the company in august to present its Queen’s award for Enterprise. The company received the award for International Trade, for more than doubling overseas earnings over six years of sustained growth, and exporting over 90% of production. This outstanding performance was based on its comprehensive product range addressing a wide spread of markets combined with an aggressive strategy of developing new markets, primarily in asia. It was also the third time the company has been honoured in the Queen’s awards. Following a short presentation, the Lord Lieutenant toured oxford Instruments’ manufacturing plant, research laboratories and offices in yatton, north Somerset, and was accompanied by mr John cullum, High Sherriff of Somerset, and mr Graham Turner, chief Executive of north Somerset council. “It was an honour to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries to our facility again,” said andy matthews, managing Director of oxford Instruments plasma Technology. “We were able to demonstrate our technology, and show the extensive improvements and growth in both facilities and workforce that have taken place recently. This award recognises the hard work and commitment of the entire team at oxford Instruments, and I was delighted to receive it on their behalf.”

EUROPE

News in brief INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC CHOSEN AS ONE OF GAS DETECTION PARTNERS SAUDI ARAMCO has signed an agreement with Zaff International Ltd, Industrial Scientific’s joint venture company and exclusive agent within Saudi Arabia. The deal covers the supply of all required gas detection equipment and services from Industrial Scientific to Saudi Aramco for the next five years, a press release explained. This includes introducing several portable instruments into Saudi Aramco’s gas detection programme, including the new Ventis MX4 multi-gas detector, the MX6 iBrid multi-gas detector, the T40 single-gas detector, and the DS2 docking station.

MECHEL INVESTS IN OXYGEN CONVERTER, BENEFITS REVEALED ONE OF Russia’s largest mining and metal company’s, Mechel OAO, has launched the new second converter in Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant’s oxygen-converter shop. Replacement of the second converter is the ﬁrst stage of a signiﬁcant restructuring programme. According to Mechel, the programme will be completed by 2013 and is scheduled to include the full replacement of the shop’s three converters. Once complete, the annual output is set to increase by 950,000 tonnes to 4,550,000 tonnes.

New cylinder technology | MOU SIGNED

Possible new ASU to be built in Hungary, evaluation underway WILDHORSE ENERGY LTD, (WHE) a specialist in coal gasification and uranium projects across Central Europe, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting out installation terms for a new ASU courtesy of Air Liquide. Under the terms of the document, Air Liquide will evaluate the technical and commercial conditions for the installation of a new stateof-the-art air separation unit (ASU) on Wildhorse Energy’s UCG project in Mecsek Hills, Hungary. In addition the French industrial gas provider will also develop a final proposal for oxygen supply to WHE based upon its prior evaluation.

Wildhorse Energy’s Managing Director, Matt Swinney, described the move as a “significant milestone.” He elaborated, “This agreement represents a significant milestone in completing our ongoing PFS on the Mecsek Hills UCG Project and in turn towards achieving our target of becoming a leading unconventional energy supplier in Central Europe.” Swinney continued, “We

“

believe that Air Liquide’s decision to undertake an MOU with WHE demonstrates its support to our strategy, ambitions and prospects in the region. With our PFS due for completion during Q1 2012, we are very much looking forward to working closely with Air Liquide, the world leader in its field, as we develop our Mecsek concession towards production.” • www.gasworld.com/5931

“This agreement represents a significant milestone in completing our ongoing PFS on the Mecsek Hills UCG Project...”

Worthington reveals new cylinder coating for the European market WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS has made gasworld aware of its new long-lasting powder coating for European high pressure cylinders, described as being ‘ideal for cylinder asset inventories’. Available for industrial gas, automotive CNG and other cylinders manufactured for international markets, the long-life powder coating offers high corrosion resistance, sophisticated adhesion and high impact resistance. All of which is combined with a high-gloss ﬁnish. According to information sent to gasworld, the new coating provides more than nine times higher corrosion resistance than industry standard wet paint system coatings (standardised grid and saltspray test results also available). State-of-the-art technology

creates a high quality surface ﬁnish due to a tightly-controlled automated production process, producing less hazardous waste than standard wet paint processes and emitting zero to near-zero volatile organic compounds. Long-life powercoat options include standard SL quality coating,

with electrostatically charged powder sprayed onto the highpressure cylinders and cured in a furnace, up to the premium DL+ quality option which adds a powder primer to the standard topcoat and pre-treatment – providing a minimum nine times longer life than standard coatings, the company claims.

www.gasworld.com/europe

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ASCO also takes care of the CO2 need: On the one hand with CO2 by-product recovery systems. On the other hand, for countries where CO2 is not available as a by-product from other industrial processes, plants produ$OO DERXW are ASCO CO2 Dosing Systems for water neutralisation cing CO2 from diesel, kerosene or natural gas.used in the water treatment process, typically within desalination plants. The pH value of desalinated sea water is kept neutral by adding precisely dosed CO2.

www.ascoco2.com

AMERICAS

News in brief CRYOVATION LAUNCHES E-COMMERCE SITE CRYOVATION HAS launched an E-commerce website, which now offers customers a secure online ordering route for parts and equipment. At www.thecryoshop.com the easier purchase of cylinder filling systems and discount pricing to customers is enabled. The online store offers a selection of pump parts, control panel components, cylinders, electrical components, fittings, gauge, hoses, lubricants, medical oxygen equipment, quick connects, scale, tubing and piping, alongside vaporisers, valves and other equipment. CryoVation, with locations in Florida, Indiana and New Jersey, US, specialises in whole-plant systems, system upgrades and a full line of equipment and parts tailored to the specific requirements of the industrial, specialty, medical oxygen and beverage gas industries.

NEW ADDITION TO BUTLER GAS TEAM BUTLER GAS Products, a company which operates from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has announced the recruitment of Bob Urie. Urie joins the team as General Manger of Purchasing and Branch Operations. Urie brings over 15 years of welding experience in which he has seen all aspects of the trade, from truck dispatching to AR functions. He joins the Butler Gas team which has enjoyed 63 years of business and is expected to help progress the ﬁrm, its packaged gas products and accessories. In a recent statement, Butler Gas expressed enthusiasm at the appointment. The new recruit will report to Jack Butler, President and CEO with the ﬁrm.

Online ordering | OXYGEN THERAPY BOOST

Benefits of oxygen therapy to be realised following $6m credit THE POTENTIAL benefits of oxygen therapy are more likely to be realised now thanks to a recent credit award from venture capital, Square 1 Bank. Entrepreneurs’ friend and venture capital firm, Square 1 Bank, announced the extension of a $6m credit facility to the oxygen therapy company, Inogen, Inc. Recipient firm, Inogen, specialises in cost effective respiratory home healthcare equipment which prioritises patient quality of life as well as efficiency for homecare providers. Raymond Huggenberger, CEO of Inogen explained the firm’s motivation for the deal,

he said, “Due to Inogen’s growth, we needed a financial partner that takes the time to understand our unique business needs and who can grow with the company to help us jointly increase the freedom and independence of oxygen therapy users.” Square 1 Bank was equally positive about the investment. Chris Woolley, EVP of Venture Banking for the company explained, “We are confident in the company’s ability to execute on an impressive new business model. In our commitment to fuel innovation, we are pleased to help grow a pioneering business like Inogen and be a long-term

partner. Their strong investors and management team will no doubt continue to scale the business.”

Praxair acquires Cincinnati-based distributor, strengthens ability PRAXAIR DISTRIBUTION, Inc., a subsidiary of Praxair, Inc. recently publicised the acquisition of Weldco Inc., a market leader in Cincinnati, Ohio. The firm’s latest acquisition is one of the top 20 welding markets in the US, boasting 23 employees and sales of $8m. John Panikar, President of Praxair Distribution, Inc., lauded the addition, he said, “The addition of Weldco to our existing presence in the Greater Cincinnati area further strengthens our ability to serve customers and build an even stronger business in southwestern Ohio and northeastern Kentucky.” Weldco is an independent distributor of industrial and speciality gases and ancillary

welding equipment, supplies and services. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Tim Trame, President of Weldco offered his perspective, “Our dedicated employees have delivered quality products and services with complete confidence and customer satisfaction. Combining our business with Praxair will continue to benefit our customers and employees.”

“

Panikar said the acquisition of Weldco complements several other recent acquisitions made in the first half of 2011 and those expected to be completed by year-end. “Praxair will continue to take a proactive, targeted approach to acquire high quality independent distributors aligned with Praxair’s business strategy,” Panikar said. • www.gasworld.com/5883

“Our dedicated employees have delivered quality products and services with complete confidence and customer satisfaction” www.gasworld.com/america

AMERICAS

NEW VALVE | Name change

Sherwood Valve introduces high pressure cylinder valve series SHERWOOD VALVE LLC is introducing a new High Pressure Global Cylinder Valve series (GVH Series), with a leak rate that’s 10 times better than the industry standard for heavy duty applications such as air cascade systems and mining chambers. The GVH Series is now available in a variety of configurations for cylinder service pressure from 4500 PSI up to 6,000 PSI. “Sherwood’s new proprietary GVH Series product offering is part of our re-investment and expansion to meet the needs of our customers in the global marketplace for advanced, innovative products,” explained Dino Sciullo, Director of Sales & Marketing. It is offered in standard CGA outlet configurations (CGA347, CGA677, CGA680, CGA695, CGA701, CGA702, and CGA703) as well as international outlets. It is available in 3⁄4”-14NGT inlets and the 25E inlet for UN and ISO cylinders. The GVH Series was

engineered with the input of customers, end-users, and government agencies across the US and internationally. The valve is designed for extreme environments with a new cross sectional profile, reinforced contact areas and some unique proprietary enhancements in the overall valve functioning

“

and operating components. Sherwood, a Taylor-Wharton International company, manufactures its valves in the US and the company’s worldwide distribution network consists of highly trained professionals ready to meet the needs of this developing market.

“Sherwood’s new proprietary GVH Series is part of our re-investment and expansion...”

THE LDA – A MOVE THAT ‘MAKES ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD’ THE AIRCO DISTRIBUTOR Association has undergone a name change in order to reflect its proximity to Linde North America. The organisation has changed its name to the Linde Distribution Association. The move is hoped to reflect the administrative and support function offered by the association to The Linde Group. Mark Falconer, LDA CoChairman and President of Minneapolis Oxygen Company described the transition as making, “all the sense in the world.” The newly dubbed LDA was established in 1993 and has grown to include 70 member companies throughout the US.

NORTH AMERICAN PRICE RISE ON LIQUID AND BULK HELIUM

“““ QUOTES OF THE MONTH

“We look to this as a platform to meet the renewable requirement and to supply ever cleaner hydrogen to the next generation of fuel cell vehicles”

“I am excited about leveraging the economic rebound, investing in infrastructure, investing in people and remaining a profitable group that our customers can trust”

“This facility, ideally located near all modes of transportation, rail, an interstate highway, and a shipping terminal, will aid in fast product delivery and service”

Ed Heydorn

Naji Skaf

Company statement

Business Development Manager

CEO

INOXCVA

Air Products, Hydrogen Energy Syst.

Gulf Cryo

October 2011

News in brief

REGULAR READERS will be aware of a number of recent fluctuations in the demand and availability of helium. It is perhaps little surprise then that prices are beginning to creep up, particularly in North America. Indeed, Air Products has recently announced a price increase on North American liquid and bulk helium gases. Effective 1st September 2011, or as contracts allow, the industrial gas firm will be implementing a price increase of 15% for liquid and bulk helium gases in North America. The company said in a statement, “The pricing adjustment is the result of several factors including the continued strong demand over the past year for helium and significant reductions in supply. The helium market has been tight across the globe...” • www.gasworld.com/5878

AmericAs

Filling system updated | ccs plans boosted

Linde wins US funding for carbon capture project

Specialty Gas News

CryoVation unveils new automated CO2 filling system CryoVation, LLC. has announced the release of its latest automated Co2 Filling System. the SequeFill™ has undergone updating and has now been relaunched as an automatic, palletised Co2 or nitrous oxide cylinder filling system. the device provides sequential, unattended filling of palletised or individually loaded Co2 cylinders. the adaptations promise to reduce labour and increase accuracy. according to its Florida-based creators, the system includes a control console with full-colour touch screen display, a platform scale with 5000 pound capacity and a retracto manifold with retractable fill hoses. the SequeFill also features individual air-actuated ball valves and rent, fill and bypass control valves and an industrial PLC control. CryoVation boasts locations in Florida, indiana and new Jersey. CryoVation moves manufacturing and service facility to larger site in addition to the release of its new filling system, CryoVation has also officially relocated its manufacturing and service

facility recently. the company’s new Jersey plant has moved into a larger building. the new premises benefits from an expanded pump fabrication and repair department, in addition to a new customer training centre and high purity lab. the facility boasts 20,000 square footage and houses an office complex with workstation for visiting customers or vendors. according to a CryoVation statement, the added space accommodates the expansion of all manufacturing and particularly the company’s vaporisers and large structure business. CryoVation also benefits from locations in Florida and indiana, where the firm specialises in whole-plant systems, system upgrades and a full line of equipment and parts tailored to the needs of various industries.

The Us Department of energy (DOe) has selected The Linde Group to benefit from $15m for the advancement of carbon dioxide (cO2) capture technologies. Linde’s pilot plant is to be built in Wilsonville, alabama and is expected to be in operation by early 2014. The facility will test cO2 scrubbing solutions to reduce the energy consumption and costs of advanced carbon capture and separation systems for coal-fired power plants. Dr andreas Opfermann, head of Linde’s clean energy emission reduction targets explained the importance of the scheme, “advanced cO2 capture for power plants is a critical element in achieving global greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.” “as a leader in this field, we are extremely proud that the DOe recognises our R&D efforts in this area, as

“ “

“The adaptations promise to reduce labour and increase accuracy”

especially in North america we see a growing need for efficient ‘clean coal’ solutions.” Opfermann added, “The DOe award will therefore help strengthen Linde’s position in this future-oriented sector in the Us.” The pilot plant will be designed to capture at least 90% of the cO2 generated at an increase in the cost of electricity of no more than 35%. This would represent a significant improvement over existing technologies that can add as much as 80% to the cost of electricity. according to Linde, the new plant will build on the experience gained in a comparable project in Niederaussem, Germany. since 2009, this facility has seen Linde develop new cO2 scrubbing solvents with electricity supplier RWe and chemicals company, BasF.

“...we are extremely proud that the DOE recognises our R&D efforts in this area, as we see a growing need for clean coal solutions”

Start-up of acetylene operations in Suriname RexaRc has declared the recent start-up and commissioning of a Model 301 acetylene plant and filling operation in suriname, northern south america. The company’s Model 301 plant is designed to be portable and mobile, allowing for its customers to remain flexible in their acetylene gas production needs and operations. although Rexarc announced start-up in august, the official

opening of the facility was scheduled to take place in september. D. Roopram, Owner of Gold agri N.V., was all set to open the facility on 26th september with an open house celebration. Rexarc’s Director of Technical services, Bruce holman, was present with Roopram and others to complete the installation and successful start-up of the plant. • www.gasworld.com/5929 www.gasworld.com/america

Pacific Rim

News in brief Stephen JoneS taSked with future of air productS in china Air Products hAs appointed stephen Jones as china President to drive its next phase of growth in the country. Air Products named Jones as President of the firm’s operations in china. With this new appointment, Jones is expected to facilitate strategic development and growth for the company across the region. Jones, a member of the company’s corporate executive committee, will still retain his role as senior Vice-President and General Manager of Global tonnage Gases, Equipment and Energy for the company. John McGlade, chairman, President and cEo for the firm explained Air Products’ motivations behind the move. “the appointment of steve Jones as china President and his move to shanghai is part of Air Products’ corporate strategy to support our significant growth opportunities and accelerate our development in emerging markets,” he said. “china is a strategic market for Air Products. having one of our corporate executive committee members based in shanghai underpins our strong commitment to further growth in china,” continued McGlade.

Tough climate | group sees results rise

Yingde Gases confirms 2011 interim results, turnover surges Yingde gases group Company Limited has announced the interim results of the group for the six months ended 30th June 2011, with a statement revealing that turnover of the group rose 56.5% compared with the same period in 2010. Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the group was RMB 492m, representing an increase of 51.1%. earnings per share were RMB 0.272. during the reporting period, the group remained strong in its financial position with what it described as ‘abundant working capital’. “The cash at bank and in hand was RMB 1.550m,” the company explained. With that 56.5% increase in group turnover, Yingde gases is now achieving turnover of RMB 2.060m. The group has a total of 31 gas supply facilities and total oxygen capacity will reach 1,482,900 nm3/hr after completion of all facilities under development by 2013. in fact, Yingde gases is the largest

independent on-site industrial gas supplier in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) with oxygen, nitrogen and argon as its major gas products. Reviewing the 2011 interim results, Yingde gases said in a statement revealing the figures, “The demand for industrial gas on a national basis has increased substantially due to the rising environmental standards and the trend of corporate outsourcing.” “Benefiting from the environmental and market factors, Yingde gases, as a leading enterprise in the industrial gas industry in PRC and the major gas supplier for several domestic steel enterprises, signed contracts of 11 new facilities for on-site gas supply in the first half of 2011.”

“

On-site gas supply accounted for approximately 81.8% of revenue from operations of the group. during the reporting period, 28 onsite gas supply facilities of the group were in production and the group had 23 new facilities under development. The total installed capacity amounted to 783,400 nm3/hr in terms of installed oxygen capacity, representing a 73.0% increase as compared with the same period in 2010. Looking forward, Yingde gases said, “as the demand for environmentally friendly operation continues to increase, our group will closely keep pace with the market trend and seize the current opportunities by identifying more customers from other sectors.”

“the demand for industrial gas on a national basis has increased substantially due to...the trend of corporate outsourcing”

wider ramifications on tnSc first quarter JaPanese indusTRiaL gas conglomerate, Taiyo nippon sanso Corporation (TnsC) has publicised its first quarter fiscal results for 2012. an analysis of the results reveals a slight overall decline in sales, operating and net income. TnsC summarised the situation, blaming appreciated yen as well as economic damage experienced in the wake of the Japanese earthquake during March 2011. The corporation said, “during the first quarter of the fiscal year under review, China and other emerging markets maintained high growth rates despite the slowness

of economic recovery in the united states and sovereign debt crisis in europe.” “Meanwhile, in Japan, there were signs of resurgent domestic consumer demand,” added TnsC. “However, the highly appreciated yen combined with direct economic damage from the great east Japan earthquake of March 2011 and subsequent fears of power shortages, cast a shadow over economic prospects.” First quarter sales on a consolidated basis declined 0.6% year-on-year to ¥116.268m, meanwhile operating income declined still

further, by 17.9% to ¥7.637m, while ordinary income dropped 13.8% to ¥8.086m. net income for the quarter fell 36.8% yearon-year to ¥3.325m. sales of oxygen, nitrogen and argon were all down year-on-year. according to TnsC this was largely due to the effects of the earthquake disaster on core customer industries in Japan. related article regional Markets Focus on: Japan p 50

www.gasworld.com/northpacific

PACIFIC RIM

Japan Gas News

Market shortages | TAPPING INTO OPPORTUNITY

News taken from K.K Gas Review magazine

Carbon dioxide and dry ice in short supply, reports TGR ACCORDING TO the Japanese The Gas Review (TGR), carbon dioxide and dry ice are in short supply due to a couple of contributing factors. The Japanese summer calls for peak demand of these two resources, but with some facilities damaged by the earthquake and others capping electricity use to meet policy demands, the two commodities may be in short supply. In particular, supply sources to the Kanto Area suffered damage from the earthquake. Similarly, the Cosmos oil plant in Chiba was shut down due to a butane storage tank fire, while the Air Water plant in Kashima called a temporary halt to outside tank delivery. The facilities have monthly production of 2,300 tons and 4,000 tons respectively. According to The Gas Review, this accounts for 10% of the overall supply into the Kanto vicinity and as such make recovery, ‘an urgent matter’. Simultaneously, the nuclear power plant incident has incited

a 15% consumption reduction for all major users served by Tokyo Electric Power. Ordinarily, summer sees carbon dioxide facilities produce at full capacity, however due to the power saving measures, there is some concern that usual capacity will not be reached. Nevertheless, market leaders are keen to ride-out any downturn in supply with stabilising approaches. The Gas Review summarised the situation, “No matter how pressing the situation is, the industry has always given preference to a stable supply. In 2011 however, the industry does seem to have a summer of trial during which it will work out scenarios involving all kinds of possibilities, as it gets ready for a shortage of sources and an increase in demand.” Related article A watching brief An interview with Izumi Ohe p 32

Honeywell set to treble capacity at Baton Rouge HONEYWELL, THE US HFO gas producer, has announced plans to expand the Baton Rouge production facility for HFC-1234ze. The facility which produces low-global-warming material used in insulation and aerosols will benefit from $33m investment. Afterwards, Honeywell will be equipped

to produce HFO-1234ze on a commercial scale at the plant. Production of the low global warming potential (GWP) blowing agent and propellant is scheduled to begin in late 2013. HFO-1234ze has a GWP of 6, this compares with HFC-134a, which has a GWP of 1430 and HFC-152a with a GWP of 124. • www.gasworld.com/5953

China plant taps into market opportunity AIR LIQUIDE’S Engineering & Construction division has signed a contract with the Shenhua Ningxia Coal Industry Group (SNCG) in China to build a 500,000 tpa Methanol-toPropylene (MTP) plant. SNCG is one of the world’s largest coal industrials and the deal for the new plant follows the successful commissioning of the first industrial scale unit built with the same client. The contract comprises the basic engineering, license and supply of proprietary equipment, as well as services for procurement and technical advisory services at the site. This will be the third large-scale MTP plant licensed by Lurgi. gasworld China understands that in today’s crudeconstrained world, Lurgi´s MTP technology offers a highly profitable route, particularly in China given its tremendous coal reserves and its rapid deployment of coal-based production of chemicals and fuels. Air Liquide Engineering & Construction is one of the major players in this market to satisfy the increasing demand of coalbased chemicals and to provide solutions in terms of efficiency and environment protection. SNCG, in close cooperation with the Lurgi team, played an important and constructive role in the commissioning and startup phases of the MTP-1 plant, the first of its kind, thereby contributing to proving (at industrial scale) the success of the Lurgi MTP technology. In this context SNCG and Air Liquide signed a cooperation agreement that includes the continuous improvement and further development of the Lurgi MTP technology. Moreover, SNCG agreed to support the marketing of this technology in China and to support Air Liquide’ Engineering & Construction division with its own start-up and operational expertise. Air Liquide will

remain the owner and licensor of the Lurgi MTP technology. The unit to be built in Ningdong, in the Chinese province of Ningxia, will have the capacity to produce around 500,000 tpa propylene from coal. The engineering phase for the contract is to be completed within around eight months. François Venet, Chairman of the E&C committee declared, “The MTP technology offers very promising perspectives to fight the world´s dependency on crude oil.” “Today, thanks to its costefficient and state-of-the-art technology, Air Liquide is well positioned to play a major role mastering environmental challenges. We are proud to be able to contribute to SNCG’s development thanks to Lurgi’s strong relationship with SNCG and the mutual reliability and trust which are major factors for continuing our collaboration.”

“

“We are proud to be able to contribute to SNCG’s development”

www.gasworld.com/northpaciﬁc

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ASIA

News in brief INOXCVA EXPANDS TEXAS CRYO FACILITY INOXCVA has expanded its Ameriport facility in Baytown, Texas. According to the Indian firm the investment reflects growing demand for cryogenic storage & distribution equipment. It is hoped that by making these adjustments, the company will be better placed to meet customer commitments in both the present and future. The unit boasts 42,000 square footage and a 60 foot

““

“Production began in January 2011 and has already seen the benefit of its proximity to transport links”

ceiling in order to house the two site cranes. These alone boast 50 foot hook height and weigh a staggering 50 tons each. Production at the plant began in January 2011 and has already seen the benefit of its proximity to transport links. Indeed in a recent press release INOXCVA commented, “This facility, ideally located near all modes of transportation rail, an interstate highway, and a shipping terminal, will aid in fast product delivery and service.” Chris Carr, President of INOXCVA U.S. added that Phase Two of the construction plan is already complete. The secondary expansion saw the addition of an 80 foot by 600 foot lean-to which houses 36 bays specifically designed for fracturing and LNG product assembly. The extended facility was further complimented by the introduction of six 10 ton cranes boasting 24 foot hook height.

Firm to meet demand | FLOWSERVE BUILDS IN ASIA

$30m investment in India will see facilities expanded and upgraded CURRENTLY OPERATING two manufacturing facilities in Coimbatore, India, Flowserve Corporation is to spend $30m in the expansion and upgrade of its facilities at the site. While the two existing facilities at the campus produce a wide range of industrial and engineered pumps, the new investment will see a third facility added that will produce high-energy pumps to be used in both nuclear and fossil fuel power plants. The new facility is planned for completion in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to a Flowserve news release. “The addition of this third manufacturing facility allows Flowserve to expand our Coimbatore product portfolio to include a broader range of engineered pumps,” commented Tom Ferguson, President of Flowserve Flow Solutions Group. “This key strategic initiative will give Flowserve a local source for high-energy pumps and allow us to participate in the rapid growth in both the

nuclear and fossil fuel power generation markets in India.” The power generation market in India is rapidly expanding with a significant number of nuclear and fossil fuel power plants planned over the next two decades, Flowserve explains. To meet this expansion, a large number of boiler feed water pumps, cooling water pumps and a variety of other high-energy pumps are needed. In addition to the power

generation expansion, companies are investing several billion dollars to construct new petroleum refining capacity in India within the next few years. Flowserve Corporation is a leading provider of flow control products and services for the global infrastructure markets. Including joint ventures, Flowserve employs approximately 2,500 people in India at present. • www.gasworld.com/5887

Two killed, another injured in Kumar Oxygen explosion in Northern India GASWORLD RECENTLY received the sad news of two fatalities and one injury following a factory blast in Dehradun, Northern India. According to various Indian news outlets, the incident took place at the Kumar Ispat Oxygen Limited refilling factory in the Mangalore area of Haridwar district. National reports state that the accident took place on the Mangalore-Jhabrera road on a Monday night, while workers

were refilling gas cylinders. Local police have confirmed that while two workers died instantly, another injured employee was taken to a nearby hospital where his

condition had been described as stable. Kumar Group Industries, parent firm for Kumar Ispat Oxygen, has not yet commented on the event.

“...reports state that the accident took place on the Mangalore-Jhabrera road, while workers were refilling gas cylinders” www.gasworld.com/asia

MIDDLE EAST

NEW CEO REVEALED

Gulf Cryo appoints new CEO, sustainable growth a priority JUST DAYS after Gulf Cryo signed-up the key sponsorship package at The Middle East Industrial Gases Conference 2011, the firm has appointed a new CEO in Naji Skaf. Skaf was nominated to the position thanks to his achievements and commitment to the company, according to Amer Huneidi, Chairman of Gulf Cryo. In addition to the appointment, the company has also realigned itself with a board of directors leading operations and reporting directly to shareholders. According to a press statement, the promotion was a natural choice given Skaf’s eight-year experience with the company. Huneidi added, “I nominated Naji Skaf to the position of CEO for Gulf Cryo due to his achievements during his tenure and continued commitment to the group’s

objectives. He was key to some of the major initiatives implemented over recent years and has successfully led operations through both boom and recession times.” Skaf’s career at Gulf Cryo began in 2005, when he was appointed general manager of Gulf Cryo’s subsidiary, Arabian Gases. He then moved swiftly on to the role of chief operating officer for Gulf Cryo in 2008, where he implemented several major initiatives to streamline and restructure the business. Indeed, he ratified the group’s presence in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Iraq. Skaf himself said, “I am very appreciative of the board and the shareholders to entrust me with this responsibility. With over 600 employees across the group, we have a great team spirit and highly skilled people who will help drive the

group forward. With sustainable growth our main priority, I am excited about leveraging the economic rebound, investing in improved infrastructure, investing in people and remaining a profitable group that our customers can trust to provide quality product and service.”

October 2011

class cord blood banking services, creating a technology platform that should enable Qatar to be at the forefront of developments in cellular therapies in the years to come. gasworld understands that a whole new era of stem cell research could be just around the corner if the potential of cord blood is realised. Until recently, umbilical cord blood was generally discarded (after childbirth) with the umbilical

All important industry events are featured on the gasworld calendar www.gasworld.com/calendar

October 3rd – 6th 2011

LNG Tech 2011 Rotterdam, Netherlands www.lngsummit.com

October 4th – 6th 2011

Fair Industrial Gas Sao Paulo, Brazil www.feirasnacipa.com.br/feigas1

October 9th – 12th 2011 GAWDA New York, United States www.gawda.org

October 29th – November 3rd 2011 © Gulf Cryo Skaf is excited about the role.

Qatar first, new stem cell facility is now operational in the Middle East VIRGIN HEALTH Bank has reportedly begun processing and storing cord bloom stem cells in Qatar, Middle East, having announced the completion of its facility in the Qatar Science & Technology Park earlier this year. A February (2011) press release from Virgin Health Bank announced the completion of the facility, described as one of the world’s most technologically advanced stem cell processing and storage facilities. The facility is now believed to be fully operational, according to a report by The Gulf Times. It is also the ﬁrst of its kind in Qatar, claims the February press release, and will provide families with access to world

Events Calendar

cord itself and the placenta. By simply saving this and cryopreserving it at -196°C in a liquid nitrogen tank, however, a stem cell-rich source becomes available. If successful, it’s thought that cord blood and stem cell technologies could treat over 70 diseases and can be used to treat leukemia, and sickle cell disease, for example. Cryobiology is emerging as an important market for the industrial gases business.

IOMA Annual Meeting 2011 Kyoto, Japan www.iomaweb.org

November 8th – 10th 2011 Cryogen Expo Moscow, Russia www.cryogen-expo.com

December 5th – 7th 2011

Gasworld Middle East Conference Dubai, UAE www.gasworld.com/conferences

January 23th – 25th 2012

Gas to Power Europe Forum Berlin, Germany www.gastopowereurope.com

January 26th – 27th 2012 Gas Transport & Storage Summit 2012 Berlin, Germany www.gtsevent.com

gasworld magazine

“By saving this and cryopreserving it in a liquid nitrogen tank, a stem cell-rich source becomes available...”

To add your event to the gasworld calendar, email calendar@gasworld.com

TECHNOLOGY

FrEShlInE QS TunnEl FrEEzEr unvEIlEd Air Products, has introduced the Freshline® Qs tunnel freezer, which can be used to cryogenically freeze or cool a wide variety of foods, from poultry to pasta. designed with simplicity in mind, the new tunnel freezer is ideal for smaller volume food processors and start-ups that want to quickly begin freezing a high quality product with limited upfront cost. “the Freshline Qs tunnel freezer is an economical and easy-to-operate freezer that was developed with smaller volume food processors and start-ups in mind,” confesses Marna schmidt, North America Food industry Manager at Air Products. “the design of the new freezer enables a faster startup with minimal upfront cost, making cryogenic freezing a more practical option for smaller volume food processors.” schmidt also explained the ease with which the tunnel freezer can be integrated into an existing food production line. Cryogenic freezers― such as those offered by Air Products - use the extremely cold temperature of liquid nitrogen (-196°c) to achieve temperature reduction. they are capable of freezing food within minutes instead of the hours required by traditional ammonia- or freonbased systems. this quick freeze not only can contribute to a higher yield, but also can enhance product quality. When food products are frozen more rapidly, it results in the formation of smaller ice crystals, which causes less damage to a product’s cellular structure. this enables food products to maintain moisture, which not only improves texture, colour and flavour, but also means less weight losses from dehydration and higher yields.

Industrial Scientific releases new larger calibration gas cylinders IndustrIal scIentIfIc has announced the availability of 10 new 116 litre gas cylinders, slightly larger in size than the popular 58 litre gas cylinders yet capable of holding twice the volume of gas. depending on the customers’ calibration gas usage, the 116 litre cylinders provide a better cost per litre value than the traditional 58 litre cylinders. additionally, the larger

cylinders will need to be changed less frequently, further reducing costs with fewer orders, as well as less maintenance time. users of existing 58 litre cylinders will not need to purchase new gas regulators either, as the 116 litre cylinders actually use the same regulators. the cylinders are also more environmentally friendly, with twice the volume of gas in

roughly the same package. as an Iso14001: 2004 certified company, Industrial scientific is committed to seeking out materials, processes and practices that are environmentally responsible.

Enhanced readout and control units Bronkhorst hIgh-tech B.V. a netherlands industrial gas technology provider, has released its enhanced range of readout and control units. the devices, dubbed BrIght, have been given a contemporary new look and now feature a 1.8 inch colour tft screen with wide angle visibility. furthermore, customers might appreciate the economic features which now come as standard, including accessories for tube, panel or wall mounting. however, Bronkhorst has not forsaken its prior successes, consequently the menu structure and compact design remain unchanged.

the unit also boasts convenient cross product compatibility. for instance, r/c modules offer Bronkhorst Mass flow Meters/controllers the possibility of local indication and operation; flow-rate in actual values or percentage, selection of various fluids; set-point adjustment, counter function and alarms. furthermore, according to Bronkhorst all BrIght models are available for labstyle instruments in addition to instruments with IP65 housing. the firm was keen to add that communication between other instruments and the BrIght module is established over the rs-232 digital communication

port. finally, the r/c module can be mounted either directly on the instrument, on an adjacent wall or panel, or even on the instrument’s pipe-work. • www.gasworld.com/5938

News in brief

twice the volume

Insulating gas loss is minimised PraxaIr, Inc. has entered into an agreement with Integrated automation systems, Inc. to market the breakthrough optigas gas-filling system for insulating glass in both windows and doors. With conventional gas-filling systems, the largest cost factor is the gas lost during the fill. It usually measures between 40-70% loss. through a

proprietary filling process, the patent-pending optigas system injects the precise amount of krypton, argon or a mix of both into the insulated glass unit at a controlled flow rate to therefore eliminate losses. according to Praxair, the optigas system can reduce krypton consumption by up to 70% per unit. another feature of the

optigas system is the thermalcert module which can analyse the gas in the windows or doors, providing gas content verification. Praxair and Integrated automation systems was introducing the optigas filling system at the glassBuild america expo in atlanta, georgia. the event took place from 12th-14th september. • www.praxair.com www.gasworld.com/technology

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HYDROGEN

News in brief FOSTER WHEELER WINS FOR KAZAKHSTAN HYDROGEN PROJECT A SUBSIDIARY of Swiss engineering and construction firm, Foster Wheeler AG, has been awarded a contract for the engineering design of a new hydrogen production unit to be based in Kazakhstan. The contract was awarded to Foster Wheeler by OJSC Omskneftekhimproekt; the project engineering contractor for the Deep Oil Conversion Complex. According to contract terms, Foster Wheeler will be responsible for the basic engineering design of a new hydrogen production unit at the Atyrau Refinery. In doing so, the Swiss firm will utilise its trademark Terrace-Wall steam reforming technology when assisting. Although the contract value remains undisclosed, it was incorporated into Foster Wheeler’s first quarter 2011 bookings, the company notes. The new hydrogen unit has been commissioned in an effort to increase the oil conversion rate and production of all types of motor fuels to Euro IV and V standards. The facility will use high olefin LPG as the main feedstock and natural gas as the alternate feedstock. The plant will produce 24,000 cubic meters per hour of pure hydrogen. Foster Wheeler’s part in the process is scheduled for completion during the third quarter of 2011. © Foster Wheeler

AIR PRODUCTS MAKES HEADWAY

Putting waste to good use – world first in Orange County, US AIR PRODUCTS has opened a new and novel fuelling station which draws its feedstock from the municipal wastewater treatment plant at Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) in the US. A world first, the Fountain Valley renewable source generates hydrogen, electricity and heat. Moreover, it marks a significant opportunity for other biogas feedstock streams. Ed Heydorn, Business Development Manager of Air Products’ Hydrogen Energy Systems applauded the innovacy of the operation. He said, “This location will show how well this technology works and can be applied to wastewater and other waste applications to generate hydrogen. It is another first for Air Products in terms of the varied sources of feed from which hydrogen can be produced, stored and dispensed by our proprietary fuelling technology.” “Another plus is that

renewable hydrogen is required to be in the mix in fuelling stations in California,” continued Heydorn. “We look to this type of technology as a platform to meet the renewable requirement and to supply even cleaner hydrogen to the next generation of fuel cell vehicles.” Heydorn also praised the public-private project collaboration that included the United States Department of Energy, which provided partial funding, among other partners.

Air Products also recently signed a long-term agreement with Shell Oil Company for the supply of a significant portion of the hydrogen requirements at Shell’s Deer Park, Texas refinery. The hydrogen supply will commence in mid-2013, while the Deer Park facility will be connected to Air Products’ Gulf Coast hydrogen pipeline supply network that serves multiple refinery and petrochemical companies in the region.

Proton OnSite’s hydrogen put to good effect at Honolulu, Hawaii facility PROTON ONSITE has announced a new purchase order from HydraFLXSystems Ltd to install a hydrogen generator at a facility outside of Honolulu, Hawaii. The generator will be installed at the joint Pearl Harbour-Hickam base. The Hawaii Centre for Advanced Transportation Technologues and the Air Force Research Laboratory will be assisting the upgrade. Proton OnSite was due to deliver a FuelGen® C30 proton exchange membrane electrolyser to the historic base

on 26th August. The project constitutes Proton’s fourth hydrogen generator to be delivered for vehicle fuelling in the US this year. Rob Friedland, President and CEO for the ﬁrm, explained the level of responsibility the project entails. He said, “Proton OnSite is proud to be working with HydraFLX, HCATT and their Department of Defence partners in Hawaii.” “It is a big responsibility that speaks to the reliability, durability and life-cycle costs of Proton’s hydrogen generation equipment,”

he added. The fuelling station will power a variety of hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen internal combustion engine cars on the base, as well as Department of Energy sponsored buses and other ﬂight line support vehicles. It will be powered by a combination of solar and grid power. Friedland added, “Proton OnSite fully supports the hydrogen infrastructure initiatives in Hawaii. This installation is one more step toward the hydrogen revolution on the island state.” www.gasworld.com/hydrogen

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LNG

News in brief BP ANNOUNCES PLANS TO ENTER INDIAN LNG MARKET WITH JV BP HAS announced plans to enter into the Indian LNG market in a joint venture with Reliance Industries, reported The Economic Times. The announcement came during an energy conference in New Delhi. Furthermore, The Economic Times has reported that BP is positive about the deal in which it acquired a 30% stake in Reliance’s 21 oil and gas blocks for $7.2bn. Steve Westall, Member of BP’s Executive Management Team is on record as saying, “The only way to encourage private sector investment in gas infrastructure is to allow competitive market-driven prices, especially in light of significant untapped potential of natural gas in the country.” According to the media source, the joint venture company now plans to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) and is actively exploring the possibility of setting up its own LNG import terminal.

Subscribe now to Cold Facts THE MAGAZINE FOR CRYOGENICS Join the Cryogenic Society of America at www.cryogenicsociety.org

TERMINAL OPENS

Minister of Energy inaugurates Thailand’s first LNG Terminal ON 7TH September Thailand’s Minister of Energy, H.E. Pichai Naripthaphan marked a first for Southeast Asia. The Minister officiated over an inauguration ceremony at the Map Ta Phut LNG Terminal. The brand new facility marks significant LNG independence for the nation. The terminal will be operated by PTT LNG Co., Ltd., a Thai company. Located on 460 rai of land, in Tambon Map Ta Phut, Amphoe Mueang, Rayong, the facility not only accommodates LNG imports by PTT to meet the rising demand for natural gas, but also adds to national energy security. On the same day, the Minister also opened an

adjacent gas separation plant ‘Unit 6’ again located in Tambon Map Ta Phut. Prasert Bunsumpun, PTT President & CEO, announced that the LNG terminal can initially take and unload up to ﬁve million tons per year, extendable to around 10 million tons per year. The terminal consists of two 160,000 cubic metre LNG storage tanks and a port which is equipped to meet all sized

“

LNG vessels, from 125,000 to 264,000 cubic metres. Commercial production began on 6th September although the facility has already completed full testing which took place earlier this year, in May (2011). According to PTT Plc, the operators behind the scheme, the terminal is capable of development into a commercial LNG hub for the whole of Southeast Asia.

“Prasert Bunsumpun, PTT President & CEO, announced that the LNG terminal can initially take and upload up to five million tons per year”

Financing secured for first German LNG-powered vessel KfW IPEX-Bank is set to finance the construction of the first completely gas-powered and thereby low-emission ship in Germany. The 15,600 cubic metre liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker will supply LNG to energy intensive industries and LNG tank facilities in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. It will also be used to supply the town gas network in Stockholm, the Swedish capital. “I am pleased that we can participate in realising such a future-oriented project,” said Christian K Murach, Member of the Management Board of KfW IPEX-Bank at the contract signing. “Here we are developing the environmentallyfriendly ‘green’ shipping of the future. This makes not only ecologic, but also economic sense,” he added.

“Moreover, the completion in Rostock will contribute to supporting the shipyards in eastern Germany, in particular in a viable segment that has a long-term, promising future.” With the help of an innovative ship propulsion system installed for the ﬁrst time in Germany, the vessel will power the engine from the boil-off gas from its cargo hold. The Dutch shipping company

Anthony Veder Group N.V. ordered the ship from Meyer Werft/Papenburg and has already concluded a longterm charter contract with a Norwegian energy company. The vessel will be built at the Neptun shipyard in Rostock/ Warnemünde, which has belonged to the Meyer group of companies since 1997. KfW IPEX-Bank provided and structured the ﬁnancing.

generic lng vessel picture to go here? The development could perhaps change the future of LNG vessels.

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HOT TOPIC

Jane Dawson News Journalist

painful chemotherapy. This is a new technology that has the potential to improve the effectiveness of such therapy.” While some of the 27 forms of cancer involved in the WHO study experience a growing survival rate, the more stubborn hypoxic variants witness more sobering statistics. Experts at the world renowned John Hopkins Hospital, voted top American hospital 21 years running by US News & World, anticipate that this year alone 38,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer - just one of the hypoxic breeds - and of those, around 90% will die. This translates as 34,000 individual deaths in America alone every year. However, thanks to the Purdue researchers and their collaborator, Song-Chu Ko, Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, this rate might be improved.

“

“If you generate oxygen you can increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy...”

xygen features significantly in this medically minded issue of gasworld, and with life-sustaining properties it is perhaps no wonder. But as new research from the Purdue University indicates, we are only just beginning to understand the importance of this abundant industrial gas. Oxygen’s restorative properties have long been harnessed, as some of this month’s special features detail. And while nouveau O2 bars, such as the newly opened ‘Oxygen Station’ in Sydney’s Darling Harbour harness its recreational benefits, scientists from the Birck Nanotechnology Centre at Purdue University in North America, are keen to discover more essential applications. A team of researchers, led by Babak Ziaie, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University, Indiana, has created and tested a miniature oxygen generator that enhances the efficacy of cancer treatments. Described by Professor Ziaie as “implantable micro oxygen generators”, the device works by releasing oxygen into tumours, and in doing so, boosts the effect of treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy. The technology has been specifically 26

designed to treat solid tumours that are hypoxic at the centre, meaning that the core tumour contains low oxygen levels. Typical cancers with hypoxic tendencies include pancreatic and cervical cancers. Hitherto, this genre of cancer has been particularly resilient to therapeutic treatment, as Professor Ziaie explained. “Radiation therapy needs oxygen to be effective. So the hypoxic areas are hard to kill. Pancreatic and cervical cancers are notoriously hypoxic but if you generate oxygen you can increase the effectiveness of radiation therapy and also chemotherapy,” said Ziaie. Notorious and increasingly common According to the most recent international study of cancer, ‘GLOBOCAN: Cancer, incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide’, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the malady is reaching epidemic proportions. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) subsidiary study revealed 12.7 million new cancers cases and 7.6 million cancer deaths each year worldwide. “Most of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another,” said the Professor. “My father is a cancer survivor, he went through many rounds of very

Over recent months the patent-pending design has undergone rigorous lab testing and seen encouraging results. In a soon to be published paper entitled, “An Ultrasonically-Powered Implantable Micro Oxygen Generator” researchers have tested the device in pancreatic tumours implanted into mice. Findings from the paper confirm that the device not only generates oxygen, but that implanted tumours shrunk faster than tumours without the device. Small miracles The device itself is unassuming, measuring slightly less than one centimetre in length. Thanks to its small dimensions, each unit can be inserted into a tumour easily via a hypodermic biopsy needle. The electronic device is operated through ultrasonic signals. These are then transferred into energy which creates a small voltage to separate oxygen and hydrogen from water in a process called water electrolysis. Big benefits But how does this compare with current oxygenation treatments? According to the research paper there is no comparison, “Oxygenation of tumours prior to radiation therapy as a method for enhancing the efficacy of treatment has been investigated for many years. Two methods to achieve this goal have been reported. One forces patients to breathe an air mixture with www.gasworld.com/hottopic

HOT TOPIC

HOT TOPIC – Heated interest in O2 thanks to new research

higher oxygen content and the second one is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).” While the inhalation method has been effective, concerns over acute toxicity and significant dropout rates have meant that the approach is not commonly used in clinical settings. Similarly HBOT carries safety concerns; the method delivers 100% oxygen at pressures greater than one atmosphere. This carries the risk of high Hydrogen

flammability, systemic side effects, not to mention logistical constraints. In contrast, the implant method is both easy to administer and monitor. Furthermore, thanks to the in-situ location, oxygen generation is not affected by abnormal blood vessels that typically limit oxygen delivery to hypoxic regions of solid tumours. The paper will be published in the Ultrasonic Wave Rectifying Circuitry

medical journal, ‘Transactions on Biomedical Engineering’, and was written by Research Assistant Professor Teimour Maleki, Assistant Professor Ko, Professor Ziaie and doctoral students Ning Cao and Seung Hyun Song. The research team is waiting on a patent for the design before embarking on the next step, clinical trials. And then, who knows… It might just be a matter of a brief injection, ten minutes for the activation of oxygen generation and perhaps, just perhaps, timeless benefits for the patient?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIRCK NANOTECHNOLOGY CENTRE, PURDUE UNIVERSITY Image (far left) The miniature device, seen here, can be implanted in tumours to generate oxygen, boosting the killing power of radiation and chemotherapy. The device (right) fits inside a tube (left) that can then be inserted into a tumour with a biopsy needle.

Exposed Electrodes

Ion Exchange Membrane

Ultrasonic Receiver

Diagram (adjacent) The device uses ultrasound to generate oxygen through water electrolysis.

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COLUMN

Intestines, appendages and LNG valves in China

uring a recent four-week visit to Asia I was able to identify many changes since first visiting mainland China over 10 years ago. Back then I was making my first foray to sell valves into the LNG business in the country. When I returned recently to do more of the same, I noticed a whole host of changes – many of which are in the modes of transportation throughout the country, as well as in the LNG business itself. Nothing changes where cuisine is concerned though, it seems. It still takes some fairly big appendages to tackle the actual deep fried animal parts served up on the plate before you. During a visit to Ordos, Inner Mongolia, this summer I was pleased to be offered the choice of a taxi into town as many were passing the airport terminal on horseback – although it must be said not many of those had briefcases or sample valves hanging from their saddles. During my first visit to the town three years ago it was said during a company dinner that I was one of the first Caucasians that had visited the company, and in view of this many of the employees took the opportunity to join us in the evening. I am

unsure that there were benefits from the spicy intestines on the dinner plate or from the 75% proof Chinese wine, but it did make the evening more pleasurable, so I am told! Today in Ordos, there are many more Westerners around. I visited Tianjin on this trip to meet with a design institute and on this occasion I took the fast train. Around 10 years ago the progress was a new two-lane motorway and by car it took a lot longer than the 35 minutes taken by train today. It really has been unbelievable, the changes in the cultures and infrastructure in such a short period of time. Over the same decade there have been many changes in the method of production, transportation and methods of storage of LNG. Since the opening of the first terminals six years ago that gave greater availability of LNG to the key coastal regions, the opening of new gas fields in North West China has given increased volumes. Despite these new sources, the one issue that still exists today is the distribution of the LNG from these sources in the West to the major point of usage in the East. Trans-country piping, railroading and trucking have been debated politically, with the piping of gas from Russia being topical today. Distribution of LNG will be topical for some time to come, I’m sure. Although we at

“

Although we have supplied valves to over 70 plants and LNG stations throughout China, I see changes ahead in their future requirements

“

Keith Stewart

Herose have supplied valves to over 70 plants and LNG stations throughout China, I see changes ahead in their future requirements. The high demand for energy due to the increase in industrial production, and the need for more domestic fuel during the extreme winters, has instigated a number of process and manufacturing developments. Today, many pressure vessels are being fabricated on sites that have capacities in excess of 10,000 m3 that now require larger valves and systems. The large increase in the number of production plants being fabricated in the North West region is also seeing a requirement for higher pressure equipment, while factors like safety and reliability remain critical when used in trailers and rail wagons. Although most of the changes throughout China are undoubtedly for the better, I am still a little unsure on the suggested benefits of including wild boar penis on the dinner menu!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Keith Stewart, of Herose GmbH, has worked in the industry for 25 years. With more than 135 years experience in the development, manufacture and sale of valves, Herose is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of valves and ancillaries to the cryogenic industry globally.

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COLUMN

News from Cryo Corner

his summer’s cryogenics meetings in the US were truly international in scope and attendance. They gave scientists and engineers from all over the world the opportunity to share ideas and technology and to learn more about their field. We attended, eager to see what changes and developments had come along since the last meetings. Held every two years, the Space Cryogenics Workshop was sponsored by NASA Kennedy Space Centre and NASA Marshall Space Flight Centre in conjunction with the Cryogenic Society of America (CSA). It attracted 100 attendees who work in space programmes worldwide. The venue was Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, from 8th to 10th June. Workshop topics ranged from space missions, components, cryocoolers and insulation to experimentation. There was also a banquet aboard a dinner cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Budget cuts at NASA and at other space programmes were concerns of many attendees, but research programmes are continuing in most areas. Even with the world economy in crisis, there were still many notices of job openings at various space-oriented facilities. We were quite pleased that attendance at the workshop held steady at 100 visitors, comparable to most of the past events – a good sign that cryogenics is a viable technology with a future. The big cryogenic conference of the summer was held in Spokane, Washington,

13th – 17th June. The Cryogenic Engineering Conference/International Cryogenic Materials Conference (CEC/ICMC) is also held every two years. This year’s meeting drew 508 attendees and 107 exhibitors – from all over the world. This was a very good showing, better than had been hoped for, again, a very good sign for the industry. There were both oral and poster sessions, generating lively discussion, with more than 50 CEC sessions and around 25 for ICMC. Topics were wide-ranging, including insulation, aerospace cryocoolers, Helium II, Pulse Tubes for non-aerospace, instrumentation, heat transfer, large scale systems and cables and current leads. Meanwhile at the ICMC, sessions centered around material properties, with such subjects as mechanical properties of alloys at low temperatures, resins and composites, various compounds as conductors and high temperature superconducting wires and cables. From 25th – 29th July, in Chicago, the 15th International Conference on Superconducting Radio Frequency Technology (SRF2011), was jointly hosted by the US’ Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The five-day meeting was attended by nearly 400 scientists, who heard talks and saw poster sessions on the latest techniques for creating high-performance superconducting radio-frequency systems. Topics included cavity fabrication, testing and repair, cavity processing; cryomodule design, and methods for controlling the radio-frequency

“

It was clear from the size of the attendance and the variety of applications discussed that this technology has caught on...

“

With Laurie Huget

power delivered to cavities. It was clear from the size of the attendance and the variety of applications discussed that this technology has caught on and is being used more and more worldwide. Present, proposed and future SRF projects include the European Spallation Source, the International Linear Collider, Project X, XFEL, energy recovery linacs and light sources. It bodes well for future suppliers to these types of projects. Most of these scientists and engineers are decision makers or influences in purchase of gases and equipment. That so many attended these events and showed keen interest in the exhibits and in the technical content, along with the good number of employment opportunities posted on the various message boards, were signs that this niche technology is alive and well worldwide. For more photos from these conferences, visit www.cryogenicsociety.org/News

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Laurie Huget is Executive Director, Cryogenic Society of America (CSA). The CSA is a non-profit technical society serving all those interested in any phase of cryogenics, the art and science of achieving extremely low temperatures.

CEC/ICMC attendees gather before the awards banquet.

30 28

Read the next column from the Cryo Corner in the December (2011) issue of gasworld magazine.

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IntervIew

A watching brief

he Gas Review (TGR) has been observing the Japanese gases business for the past 30 years, closely covering the latest news, views and trends from this now mature market for gases. From its base in Osaka and an office in Minato Ward, Tokyo, the publication has seen all manner of developments in the country, from the bursting of its economic bubble in the early 1990s, through to the earthquake in central Japan in 1995 and the severe recession of 1997. More recently, this has included the electronics boom and bust of the early 2000s, the global economic crisis of 2008/9 and, of course, the devastating earthquake

and tsunami that struck eastern Japan on 11th March this year. Izumi Ohe, the publication’s President and a stalwart from its inception in 1981, has seen all of these major events unfold and has quite often studied the impact of these on the country’s gases business. This has been exemplified throughout 2011 as The Gas Review has provided step-bystep updates and analysis on the major disasters this March and how these have affected the gas business in the region. On the earthquake, tsunami and the recovery… Ohe believes the recovery is slow, both at a governmental level and in terms of the gas

business in eastern Japan, for a multitude of reasons. While aspects of infrastructure (road networks) have been restored, other factors such as electricity/power shortages persist. For Ohe, the gases business in eastern Japan could take up to three years to fully recover – though the 62 year-old does point out that the recovery is in progress and the damage is limited to just one area of Japan. “Things like the roads have been restored, but regarding the overall recovery, the government is really slow in coping with this. Due to the incident at the nuclear power station this summer, the entire Japanese society, including industry has been asked to cut back on the use of electricity. However, when it comes to industry, the Tohoku region is only one Japanese region, and the effect on the Japanese economy overall is not even about 10%.” “Plants and users damaged by the quake have basically started producing again. Although cylinders and liquid gas facilities were hard hit, as the scale of this with respect to the market overall was small, the gas industry was not seriously affected. Looked at overall, it was about 1-2%.” “I feel the gas market in the Tohoku area should recover within three years,

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IntervIew

especially in terms of the restoration of buildings and plants,” Ohe adds. “However, the financial situation of the country is a problem. Also, a problem is how nuclear stations will be affected. Depending on the status of the stations, there may be some companies which will have to move the location of their plants or offices.” In the meantime, a short-term trend has been seen in cylinder demand, we understand. “Cylinders have been in tough shape for a while due to a holding back of public investment and a decrease in construction. The feeling is that the demand will rise due to the effort to recover from the earthquake.” On Japan’s maturation Aside from the natural disasters that have so dominated the headlines and news wires this year, Ohe alludes to wider challenges to be addressed in Japan in our interview. A difficult economic backdrop, coupled with an increasing preference to do business in other Asian countries such as Korea and Taiwan, is seen as something of a concern. With the timeline of major events and cycles that Ohe and TGR have witnessed since the publication’s formative days in the early 1980s, our interviewee is well placed

October 2011

to make such observations. “[The] Gas Review was established in 1981 and this year we are celebrating our 30th anniversary. We came out with the premier issue of Gas Review in Japanese right when the company was established. The premier issue of the English version for an overseas readership, called Gas Review Nippon, appeared in 1982, published biannually. Later, in 1986 we began publishing Gas and Chemical Reporter, the predecessor of The Gas Review.” “When Gas Review first appeared in the 1980s, it was a time when the Japanese economy was very strong. An American scholar came out with a book entitled, ‘Japan as Number One’. This was a time when semiconductors were showing a surging growth, and cars produced by Japanese car manufacturers Toyota and Honda had become very popular in the North America.” “All of this was greatly linked to the demand for gas. With a foothold in the electronics and automotive sectors, which were the two major global users, this was a time when the Japanese gas market was growing steadily.” Ohe saw the Japanese gases business boom in the 1980s, but has seen the market reach relative maturity since then

and does not expect to see any significant growth in the future. Further still, Ohe believes Japan has still not recovered from the previous economic slump of the early 1990s. “It is really hard to imagine that the Japanese gas market will show any large growth. Right now, users with the ability to compete globally are leaning toward investing overseas. The more global an industry is, such as the automotive, electronics, machinery, and machine tool industries, the more it invests overseas such as in Asia and Eastern Europe – where costs are low and where there are growth markets.” “Japan has still not made a comeback from the economic slump which set in after the bursting of the economic bubble some 20 years ago. The government is sluggish, and there is no sense of direction visible on the part of the government regarding industry in Japan. Even so, until the middle of the last decade, in areas where Japan is strong, such as in the semiconductor and automotive areas, the gas market had been showing some growth.” “Right now, however, the main stage of the users is shifting to such places in Asia as Korea and Taiwan.” Asked whether the boom in electronics 8

INTERVIEW

An interview with Izumi Ohe – A WATCHING BRIEF

was good news for the gas markets of the

North Pacific and Japan in particular, Ohe describes the rise in tablets, smartphones and other electronic devices as ‘treasure houses’ for gas demand. “In these areas, there is certainly growth when it comes to air separated gas and specialty gas. These areas are treasure houses when it comes to a demand for gas,” he says. “Formerly it was Japan which formed the core of the electronics market. Now, however, this is shifting to Korea and Taiwan, as well as to China. Japanese specialty gas producers too are investing in Asia. As specialty gases have very high added value, Japanese producers are likely to be investing more and more in the growth markets.” Coming back to the economic slump of the 1990s, Ohe explains the position of Japanese gases market some 20 years later and a legacy of M&A activity that has left the country with just four major players and a relatively insular business model. As the market matures, this naturally leaves little room for growth. “The Japanese economy has not been able to recover since the bursting of the economic bubble in the early 1990s. During that time, there was continuous M&A activity in the gas industry, which was greatly restructured. Right now, the major producers have been consolidated into just four companies.” “Looking over the gas industry, one particular impression is that even though the Japanese economy is at a global level, the gas industry has not become very big globally. This is linked to the elimination and consolidation of producers. Even though major users such as those in the electronics field have become companies which have the ability to compete globally, and gas companies have maintained steady growth, they have not reached a global level in terms of scale, and in terms of the scale of their operations.” “The reason for this is that compared to markets overseas, above all there was a richer market in Japan, and that there were too many producers and distributors. There was little advantage of scale,” Ohe explains. “Because of that, Japanese gas companies were late in turning their attention to the markets overseas. Right now even the domestic demand is having a hard time in achieving growth. Although Japanese gas producers have been consolidated into four companies, since the domestic business of the major users overall is contracting, the gas business is having trouble growing.”

Japanese business system have a mutual understanding. I feel it would be good if a business would come about which would be advantageous to both the Chinese gas industry and the Japanese gas industry.”

“

“I hope that the Chinese business system and the Japanese business system have a mutual understanding...” On China… While the Japan industrial gas business may be having trouble growing, the China gases market certainly isn’t – with considerable growth expectations forecast for the years to come. As we concur during our interview, it’s difficult to ignore the rise of the Chinese gases market. Almost all of the industrial gas markets in the North Pacific are now in the shadow of China in terms of growth and future projections – so how is the ascent of China changing the dynamics in the region? Ohe looks positively toward China and is hopeful that a ‘mutual understanding’ will emerge between Japan and China in the future, in terms of both technology and business systems. “The scale of the Chinese market will probably continue to expand. However, this is a growth in volume, but I do not know what will happen in terms of technology. The Japanese gas industry will need the added values of technological capability and cost reduction.” “We cannot ignore the growth of the Chinese economy. I hope that the Chinese business system and the

On the future… On that note, we turn to the outlook ahead and ask our esteemed interviewee, what are you expecting in the future? Ohe is cautiously optimistic when it comes to the future prospects for the gases business in Japan. “I have mentioned that the Japanese market has matured. For a long time in Japan, in addition to electronics, there were major users in iron and steel as well as in chemicals. These will probably not show any major growth, but will still grow. In addition, the medical and aerospace sectors, as well as the development of advanced technology, are very active. There is a demand for gas in these areas too,” he explains. “As for the DNA of the Japanese gas market, it does have the highest global level of gas control technology. However, as I mentioned before, Japan is currently behind when it comes to having an international perspective.” Looking forward, Ohe concludes, “I feel we must aim at not only the recovery of the Tohoku region, but at the recovery of Japan overall. We have to aim at economic recovery with good, solid direction from the government, and understanding and effort on the part of the people. This will also lead to a growth of industrial gas industry.”

THE GAS REVIEW Having participated in the establishment of The Gas Review (TGR) in 1981, Izumi Ohe is currently President of TGR. TGR publishes 16 issues per year, providing the latest gas news from Asia & Japan, coupled with deep analysis, forecasts and comprehensive data. In addition, TGR biannually publishes Gas Review Nippon in the summer and winter. Contact: K. Gas Review 1-1-57, Nakadera, Chuo-ku, Osaka, 542-0065 JAPAN Tel: +81-6-6767-1144 Fax: +81-6-6767-0541 e-mail: chaos-eng@gasreview.co.jp

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Medical applications

A growing market segment for gases The medical gases and related business has expanded way beyond the historical supply of oxygen and anaesthesia gases, explains Tony Wheatley.

t is estimated that the total sales revenue from medical gases, related services and equipment was close to €19m in 2010. The global leader in this field targets future growth of 6% to 8% p.a. and currently enjoys a 10% share of the total market. In terms of gas applications, all normal physiological functions depend on adequate levels of tissue oxygenation because oxygen is essential for cell metabolism. The concentration of oxygen in atmospheric air is approximately 21% and raising the fraction of oxygen in the breathing gas to 30–35% is often adequate for a variety of purposes in both chronic and acute patient care. Various blends of carbon dioxide, oxygen 36

and nitrogen are used for calibrating in-vitro diagnosis medical devices, while accurate blends of gases are required for calibrating the detector cells of medical devices used to analyse human tissue. As well as the direct health benefits of gases, a wealth of industrial gases and mixtures are deployed in different medical equipment and technologies for a range of purposes, from sterilising to superconducting. Xenon, for example, is utilised in Computed Tomography (CT) scanning mixtures. A small, biologically inert molecule, xenon is soluble in both lipid and water and is freely diffusible. These attributes make it an ideal tracer for the evaluation of cerebral perfusion, because

the gas dissolves in blood after inhalation and freely crosses the lipid-rich BloodBrain Barrier. A mixture of 28% xenon and 72% oxygen is most commonly used as an inhaled diffusible tracer during CT scanning to measure tissue perfusion in patients. Ethylene oxide-based gases are universally applied in the sterilisation of a variety of medical devices, surgical equipment and instruments, and in the manufacture of sterile dressings (see special feature, page 56). Nitrogen is the major component in many gas mixtures and a useful, nonoxidising displacement medium for sterile equipment like pharmaceutical vials. It acts as a propellant in pressurised aerosol type dispensers and provides pneumatic pressure to power gas-operated medical devices. It may also be used to pre-cool insulate the superconducting coils of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines in order to reduce the consumption of the far more expensive (and in tighter supply) helium. Nitrogen serves as a refrigerant for cooling carbon dioxide surgical lasers, to freeze and preserve blood, tissue, semen and other biological specimens for storage. In cryosurgery and dermatology it freezes 8 www.gasworld.com/specialfeatures

SPECIAL FEATURE

A growing market segment for gases – MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

Global medical gases market, by region (2010)

EXCLUSIVE ARTICLE ONLINE A LEADING PERSPECTIVE

Source: Spiritus Group * Excludes hygiene and homecare that is not supplied by gas companies

3000

Total: 7500

3000

US$million

2500 2000

2100

1500 1000

1000

500 320

the

Sou

th P acif

Wo rld

ic Pac if

Res

Nor th

Eas te

rn E uro

pe Wes te

rn E uro

ica th A mer Sou

Nor th

Am er

ica

420

260

t of

400

Air Liquide Gases and Services revenue, by business line (2010) Source: Air Liquide 2010 Annual Report

World Industrial Merchant Large Industries Healthcare

Europe

10% 16%

40%

24%

35%

Electronics

34%

and destroys diseased tissue.

One of the more widely known gas applications in medical equipment is of the aforementioned helium in MRI systems. In MRI machines, the supercool nature of helium cools electromagnetic coils to cryogenic operating temperatures, decreasing the metal’s ordinary resistance to the electrical current and resulting in high-resolution images. Meanwhile during the past two decades, research of gaseous molecules known to play important roles in biological systems, such as nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide, has made extraordinarily rapid progress. Novel medical gases are expected to provide more effective therapeutic interventions and preventive medicine.

37%

Respiration Carbon dioxide is used as a respiratory stimulant in mixtures of oxygen or air to promote deep breathing, while it is also used to operate on artificial organs and in cryosurgery applications. Medical air is used in respiratory therapy and humidity treatments using nebulisers. Therapy gases are those gases and mixtures that are administered as drugs and these include 5% or 10% carbon dioxide in oxygen and 20% or 30% oxygen in helium. The main use of these mixtures is to stimulate respiration after a period of apnoea and in the management of chronic respiratory obstruction after the obstruction has been relieved. A 9% helium/35% oxygen/nitrogen gas mixture is used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. 

Air Liquide is the industrial gases company the most engaged in healthcare, it claims, with healthcare revenue reaching nearly €2bn in 2010. These activities are organised around three major pillars: the hospital market with (mainly) medical gases; home healthcare; and hygiene. With 8,500 dedicated employees around the world taking care of more than 600,000 patients at home and serving over 6,000 hospitals and clinics, the company has high hopes and expectations for the medical sector. As gasworld’s October issue approached, we took some time out to speak with Pascal Vinet, Air Liquide’s Vice-President, Healthcare World Business Line and Operations, to learn more about the applications for medical gases and the future prospects of this sector for the gas community. Vinet explained, “Starting with oxygen, Air Liquide has built a portfolio of gaseous drugs, either already in commercialisation or still under development. Our medical gases are used daily in operative theatres, intensive care units, and emergency rooms as well as in home healthcare (medical oxygen).” “Home healthcare represents, today, 45% of our healthcare revenues. And within our strategic ALMA programme we plan for the coming years to extend further our leadership position,” he adds. Of the importance of the medical sector to the industrial gas business, Vinet said, “We believe that mega trends such as an ageing population, the rise of chronic diseases and the fact that health authorities in developed economies wish to see the hospital focus on acute care will amplify the number of people needing treatment at home. Home healthcare is an activity that addresses public health challenges and that is going to grow further.” “Healthcare is a non-cyclical and steady activity. We have all the reasons to think that our healthcare activities will continue to grow and add value to the Air Liquide Group.” Read the full and exclusive article online. For smartphone users, simply scan the QR code below and link straight through to read our interview with Pascal Vinet.

Scan the QR code now or go to: www.gasworld.com/5943

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Lung diffusion gas mixtures are based on the composition of air with the addition of a very small amount of a tracer gas, such as carbon monoxide. After a patient inhales the mixture, their exhaled breath is analysed to determine how effectively the tracer gas has been absorbed. Helium, methane or neon is often included in the mixture to determine lung volume. Lung diffusion testing measures how well the lungs exchange gases. Helium-oxygen mixtures (helium 79%, oxygen 21%) are indicated to assist flow of oxygen into the alveoli and to reduce the effort of breathing in patients with severe airway obstruction. Blood gas measurements are used to evaluate a patient’s level of blood oxygenation and acid/base status typically if they have symptoms of a pH imbalance, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Aortic Blood Gas (ABG) testing indicates the pH of the blood, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and the bicarbonate level. Blood gas analysers often also report concentrations of lactate, hemoglobin, several electrolytes, oxyhemoglobin, carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin. Surgical applications Quite often referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an effective analgesic and is often used in combination with other agents as an anaesthetic gas. It is also 40

A growing market segment for gases – MEDICAL APPLICATIONS

used in cryosurgery. In terms of excimer lasers and other laser gas mixtures, carbon dioxide lasers are very useful in surgical procedures because water (which makes up most biological tissue) absorbs this frequency of light very well. Medical laser-surgery applications include, skin resurfacing and dermabrasion. Skin conditions such as hirsuties papillaris genitalis are treated by removing bumps and podules. Other uses include kidney stone treatment, eye surgery and dentistry. Carbon dioxide gas is also widely used in laparoscopy, supplied via an insufflation system which consists of a CO2 cylinder, an insufflation pump and an application set. In retinal surgery applications, eye surgeons inject a bubble of

“

“...carbon dioxide lasers are useful in surgical procedures because water absorbs this frequency of light very well” perfluoropropane, or sulphur hexafluoride gas mixed with air, into the eye. The patient is then positioned so the gas bubble floats up against the hole in the retina and pushes it back into place, after which a laser is used to permanently seal the hole. The mixed gases disappear spontaneously once they have achieved their purpose.

RENOWNED AND READILY SUPPLIED The supply of oxygen for therapeutic use in healthcare is the best known and possibly the most important segment of the market for medical gases and conventionally this is delivered as liquefied bulk oxygen (LOX). LOX is a primary product of the cryogenic air separation process and a significant portion of the merchant LOX produced by the industrial gas industry is later delivered to hospitals, clinics and other treatment facilities

as medical oxygen. The fact that 100% pure oxygen is not required for many medical applications is very significant, because it allows medical oxygen to be supplied from several alternative sources. Modern oxygen concentrators are compact and safe for home use and since around 2000 the use of portable units has grown rapidly because they allow patients far greater mobility.

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Gas and equipment

Medical gas flow control

Sizing and selecting an NFPA 99 medical gas central supply system is key to cost savings and winning business in the US, explains Larry Gallagher.

ÂŠ CONCOA CONCOA 570 / 571 Medical Intelliswitch.

he dramatic drop in healthcare construction spending that occurred in the US in 2009 because of the economy appears to have turned the corner in 2011. Though spending is still sluggish with only single-digit increases in budgets for 2012, opportunity exists for growth in medical gas equipment sales. New construction and facility renovation projects will, in many cases, involve the installation of new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99-compliant medical gas central supply systems for USP oxygen, USP nitrous oxide, NF nitrogen and USP air. Understanding how to size and select the appropriate system will be a key factor in not only securing the equipment contract, but will also play a role in the gas supplier being able to show cost savings that may win or retain the contract. It is worth noting here that passage of the Patient Protection and Affordability

Care Act (PPACA), with its reduction in Medicare and Medicaid payments, has left healthcare facilities looking for ways to reduce costs in other areas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially those seen as commodities or operating expenses, such as medical gas costs. This article will detail how to appropriately size and select an NFPA 99 medical gas central supply manifold and in so doing, show the client cost savings without reducing the cost of the gas, using medical USP oxygen from cylinders and/or portable cryogenic containers as an example. As this article was written, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 Standards for Health Care Facilities underwent major revisions to be adopted as the 2012 edition of NFPA 99 and renamed the Health Care Facilities Code. Since the revision is not available in print at the time of going to press, we will focus on the 2005 edition of NFPA

99, Chapter 5, which covers medical gas central supply systems for liquid and highpressure cylinders with or without a thirdleg reserve. Sizing a medical gas supply system When it comes to delivering medical gases to a healthcare facility, nothing else can be more critical to patient health than the oxygen that sustains life. If accurate current oxygen usage is available and there is no expected expansion, then the equation is fairly simple. Apply the principle that the total number of cylinders or volume of gas should be not less than what would be used in seven to 10 days (see Table 1). If only high-pressure cylinders are used as the source, then a minimum of two cylinders per side is required. If the system is for a new construction or includes expansion, then the number and type of www.gasworld.com/specialfeatures

SPECIAL FEATURE

use points need to be tabulated, depending on the type of activity. For operating rooms, which vary from patient rooms, the gas used per room or outlet varies accordingly to arrive at a total used per day, which can then be used to arrive at how many cylinders are required per side. As you will note in Table 1, once you exceed 16,000 scf/month or approximately eight cylinders per side using portable cryogenic liquid cylinders, dewars become a viable option as the primary and secondary supply. This, however, requires that the system has an additional third-leg 24-hour reserve of high-pressure cylinders that must be a minimum of three cylinders. This can result in significant cost savings for the facility, because of the lower cost per cubic foot of gas when supplied in dewars, as well as the reduction in cylinder rental cost – as one cryogenic container holds roughly the equivalent volume of 18 high-pressure cylinders. However, if the usage is less than 16,000 scf/month but more than 8,000 scf/month, then using what is called a hybrid system, in which only the primary side of the system has a dewar and the secondary and third leg have high-pressure cylinders, is an option. For facilities in which total usage is less than 8,000 scf/ month, the savings based on using the dewars become less attractive as some of the contents may not be used because of vent loss. Selecting a central supply system These systems must be obtained from and installed according to the instructions of a supplier familiar with their proper construction and use. The manufacturer should have a proven track record of designing and actually manufacturing the various components of the manifold. Price can be an indication of quality. Keep in mind that these systems should be designed to last for years and be able to be serviced far into the future. Many existing, ‘grandfathered’ systems were made by companies that no longer exist, creating non-viable situations. Look for systems supplied by companies with manufacturing capability and longevity. A unique requirement for manifolds for cryogenic liquid cylinders is that they must have a function to conserve the gas in the secondary header, such that it is supplied to feed the line regulators before the container’s own relief valve vents the gas. This is commonly called an economiser function, and there are many systems that attempt to achieve this requirement with poor results. NFPA 99 does not state what means or mechanism to use, and some methods lead to both primary and September 2011

Table 1 – Medical Oxygen System Sizing Known Monthly Gas Usage Source: CONCOA Ft3 / month

High Pressure Cylinders per side

Cryogenic Liquid Cylinder per side

Minimum / Ideal

High Pressure 24 Hour reserve (third leg reserve) Minimum / Ideal

Cryogenic Liquid Cylinder Primary Hybrid

High Pressure Cylinder Secondary

Minimum / Ideal

High Pressure 24 Hour reserve (third leg reserve) Minimum / Ideal

3,000

2/4

6,000

3/4

8,000

4/8

10,000

5/8

12,000

6/8

14,000

7/10

8/10

16,000

8/12

10/12

18,000

10/12

20,000

11/12

24,000

12/14

2/3

14/16

12/14

“ 28,000 30,000

15/18

“There can be drawbacks for systems that don’t have properly engineered designs...” secondary headers being empty almost simultaneously. A well-engineered computer controlled mechanism conserves the gas and doesn’t drain both supply headers. These systems are becoming more common as explained earlier, because of cost advantages. There can be drawbacks for systems that don’t have properly engineered designs. Look for one that differentiates its operation based on which relief-valve setting is actually connected to the system. To optimise the cost savings when using cryogenic liquid cylinders, this capability is important as it prevents vent loss while being selective in how it engages the economiser function. Most manufacturers have three separate main control systems, one for each of the three configurations stated above, and they are not capable of being reconfigured. This makes expansion or mode change to or from cryogenic liquid cylinders impossible with their systems. It would require purchasing another new unit. The system would be shut down, and the installation labour, verification and testing by itself can

exceed $10,000, plus the cost of the new system itself. It is both practical and efficient to consider choosing a system that has the flexibility to change without shutting the oxygen system down. Verifying tests would be minimal as the purity of the pipeline was never compromised, as changes are little more than replacing a pigtail and a source selection function that reconfigures the system for the new cylinder style. In this way, you will show your medical facility clients cost savings by basing their gas source on their system demand and offering flexible systems that can grow or change as their needs do. Companies focused on knowing how to size and select the appropriate medical gas central supply system can capture new gas business – and retain existing contracts without discounting product costs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Larry Gallagher is Specialty Gas Products Manager for CONCOA, Virginia Beach, VA (www.concoa.com), manufacturers of gas pressure and flow control equipment for industrial, medical, and specialty gas applications, as well as distribution systems for laser materials processing. He can be reached at (800) 225-0473 or via email, lgallagher@concoa.com.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Medical gases

The ‘Cinderella’ gases Steve Harrison puts the spotlight on the Cinderella gases that so often go unnoticed.

t the mention of medical gases, the first products which usually come to mind are the oxygen used for breathing therapy and the nitrous oxide used for conscious sedation. Granted, these gases are vital and are used extensively in the healthcare arena. However, there is an essential group of ‘Cinderella’ specialty medical gases which are less recognised, but no less critical. These gases are supplied less frequently and in smaller quantities, but are just as vital to patient welfare. The tale of these specialty gases reveals that they are actually used every single day at hospitals, laboratories and other organisations servicing the healthcare industry. The Cinderella specialty medical gases reviewed in this article are those which have a diversity of interesting and critical applications that harness their unique properties – and which are quality-critical. Test gas mixtures These gases are not used in a directly therapeutic way as with, for example, inhaled medical oxygen, but rather to understand the status of patient health. The criteria used in their manufacture also differ from that of therapeutically used medical gases. The same extremely rigorous quality standards apply, but once produced, the content of specialty gases have to be accurately measured to ensure that all components are present and remain at precisely the right levels. Within this group are the gases used to test or calibrate some of the principal instruments used in hospitals today. The efficient calibration of medical equipment, used either directly or indirectly in the treatment of patients, is imperative. Blood gas analysers spring to mind. Blood transports oxygen around the body to the vital organs and collects carbon dioxide as a by-product. Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas analysis, is a test which measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the acidity (pH) of the blood. The equipment used to conduct this test requires frequent calibration in order to continue to give accurate and

reliable readings. Again, the calibration gases required for this purpose are in the Cinderella group of medical gases. Incubators Specialty gases and mixtures are also essential for the proper functioning of incubator equipment. These important medical chambers create controlled environmental conditions with elements such as temperature, humidity and oxygen concentration, for the care of vulnerable infants. Incubators are

“

“Specialty gases and mixtures are also essential for the proper functioning of incubator equipment...” also used to maintain the integrity of body parts and tissue destined for transplants and for growing certain cultures to create an aerobic or anaerobic cell growth environment. This is particularly important when identifying the presence of Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) eggs and embryos are also stored in IVF incubators. These incubators must have very clean and constant environment, with IVF mixtures typically either 5% carbon dioxide in air or 5% carbon dioxide, 5% oxygen in nitrogen. Anaesthetics Anaesthetic delivery devices also rely heavily on the Cinderella specialty gases. During operations carried out under gaseous anaesthesia it is critical to achieve and sustain the right gas mixture to be breathed by the patient. Although pure oxygen is generally used, this is often coupled with nitrous oxide for its pain relieving properties and which lowers the amount of actual anaesthetic used. In addition to nitrous oxide, among

the most widely used gases in general anaesthesia are desfluorane, sevofluorane and isofluorane. Anaesthesiologists depend on the integrity of these highly sophisticated anaesthetic delivery devices and to be sure of this, these devices require testing and calibration with accurate calibration gas mixtures. Another example, the rare gas xenon, is an excellent anaesthetic medium, because it induces quick and stable anaesthesia and favours neuroprotection. Sample storage In the liquid phase, nitrogen is used by the healthcare sector for its properties of extreme cold and consequent ability to store biological samples indefinitely, without risk of degradation, at temperatures as low as -196°C. This capability also has important implications in the realm of human fertility, where semen and eggs are stored for future use. Harrison says Linde’s role is not only to provide liquid nitrogen to customers, but also to operate ‘cryopreservation’ facilities where samples such as medical evidence (biopsy samples) for litigation cases are stored cryogenically in the UK and the Netherlands. Linde’s BOC Cryobank in the UK, for example, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cryogenic bio-storage of irreplaceable samples. Read the full article online at www.gasworld.com/5951

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steve Harrison is The Linde Group’s Head of Specialty Gases and Specialty Equipment. Describing the Cinderella gases, he said, “Just like Cinderella in the famous children’s story, this group of gases is small, beautiful and largely unnoticed.“ “However, they are actually at the heart of specialty medical gas supplies.” * Photo courtesy of Linde/BOC

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Carbon dioxide in the medical field By Sam A. Rushing

hen one thinks in terms of CO2 from a non-industrial gas perspective, thoughts often surround concepts covering greenhouse gases and global warming. From another point of view, in the gas field, thinking in terms of my past tenure with a former CO2 producer and my consulting work, the primary large volume producers have been food and beverage, and frac. This article discusses medical applications for carbon dioxide, which are numerous and ever-growing. 46

The merchant CO2 industry is enjoying growing usage in biomedical applications. To start, however, there is the long-lived application for CO2 as a respiratory stimulant. Standards relating to a product considered to be critical to public health mean it is expensive to produce, thus representing stronger selling prices. USP standards are used worldwide in over 130 countries; and this product is often thought of as medical grade. Merchant producers have select plants to yield this grade of product, usually

strategically located and not huge volume producers, but more expensive premium product to serve this interesting and growing market. The methodology for producing this high grade product is surrounded by expensive quality assurance, assay and production costs. USP has a strong regulatory compliance and audit standard on a plant level; being 99% or greater, with low limits on the content of H2O, CO, H2S, NO, NO2, NH3, and SO2. This application is via inhalation, as a respiratory stimulant (also according to the US Pharmacopeia), with a volume up to 7% with oxygen. USP CO2 is also used to essentially enlarge and stabilise body cavities during a range of surgical procedures; often for less invasive surgical procedures, such as endoscopy. Cryotherapy, cryosurgery and cryopreservation are all further applications in the medical field, ranging from cryopreservation of tissue, cellular material, and gametes and the longterm preservation of embryos, to tissue transplant procedures and numerous topical applications in cryotherapy and analgesia. A close to physiological atmosphere can be created via blending USP CO2 with medical grade oxygen, in the operation of artificial organ systems including kidney dialyzers, and various oxygenators; often including usage in body cavity surgical procedures. A USP grade CO2 can be used in various freeze drying processes, or lyophilisaton, used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals; and of course dry ice is often used (generally not USP) for organ and tissue transplant. Some well known applications for USP CO2 include the removal of keratosis and some skin cancers by freezing with liquid CO2 or nitrogen. The same is applicable to the removal of non-malignant moles and viral warts. This is a growing demand today, particularly as baby boomers are ageing and seeking skin rejuvenation. CO2 and erbium lasers are used for skin resurfacing, which is a treatment for wrinkles, lines, and sun damaged skin. The theory here is when outer layers of skin are removed, this stimulates collagen production. In short, medical applications which have direct contact with living tissue and cellular materials require USP, otherwise broadly known as medical grade product. If the product is for freezing or preservation processes which do not touch the tissue directly, then a non-medical CO2 is sufficient. However, the ever-growing field of biomedical applications includes using the gas for surgical procedures, which can be invasive; or a range of topical approaches for removing unsightly skin and www.gasworld.com/specialfeatures

SPECIAL FEATURE

treatment in beauty procedures, which is a significantly growing field. The product is also used in artificial organs and machines which handle body fluids; again, critical to treatment of disease and the medical field. Any of the sources of CO2 can theoretically source a USP grade product, however, most notably the high content by-product sources such as ammonia, ethanol, and hydrogen/reformer operations often tend to supply these operations. For example in the US, Linde has reserved its plants located in Fulton (New York), Lima (Ohio), and Torrance (California) specifically for USP sourcing. Outside of medical grade carbon dioxide, or USP grade in the merchant CO2 trade, with respect to strict grade definition and standards, would be beverage grade product. These two grades tend to be the primary grades, with strict standards and test methodology requirements. When speaking of ‘food grade’ this can be associated with CGA grades, or sometimes defined by what the processor specifies within their organisation alone. Thus, food grade is not as controlled as USP grade.

“

“Some well known applications for USP CO2 include the removal of keratosis and some skin cancers by freezing with liquid CO2 or nitrogen” Next, when thinking of industrial grades, remember many plants produce a beverage grade to serve all needs. Some do not serve the beverage markets, thus less testing, and strict quality standards are not followed as diligently for overall service from food to metallurgical applications. Some plants may be reserved specifically for frac and industrial service, thus incapable of food and beverage; where often, such plants are surrounded by the oil and gas market. These examples do not consider a USP product, however. Therefore, applications drive the quality and grade of CO2. However, USP is a strictly defined product for medical applications and beverage grade product often serves all markets (assuming a nonUSP requirement exists), thus making for

Gas Purity

an easier operational standard. The applications for medical service are quite interesting and impressive, and will continue to grow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sam A. Rushing is President of Advanced Cryogenics, Ltd., with a strong consulting and merchant background. Rushing is a chemist, who is called upon for CO2 and cryogenic gas consulting tasks ranging from technical, process, purity to market, business development and expert witness work. Phone 305 852 2597 e-mail: rushing@terranova.net; web: www.carbondioxideconsultants.com

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MatthiasKuhn

General Manager, Packaged Gases UK & Ireland, Air Products

Thanks for taking 10 minutes out with gasworld. What have we interrupted in your schedule today? It’s my pleasure! This morning I’ve been preparing for a presentation about career development. It’s an initiative that is designed to encourage employees to think about their future and share information about the opportunities and resources available. I’ll be talking to a group of employees in Spain about my own career – my inspirations, major turning points. I hope it helps them to see that many of us face similar challenges and sharing our experiences can support our personal development. What’s the best thing about working in the UK for Air Products? I’m originally from Germany and have worked in a number of countries across Europe and Asia. It took me some time to get used to the British sense of humour, but now I’m loving it, even getting my own back at times. What makes every job unique is the people. I am very lucky to work with a great team. This, to me, is the basis of any successful business. What was the last stamp in your passport? Actually, it wasn’t for work. My summer holiday was a trip around France on my motorcycle. The open road, interesting places, and great food made for the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. For work I travel fairly often – though I leave my bike at home! Most recently I visited colleagues at our Dublin cylinder depot. Spending time with the team is a priority for me and during these visits, my main focus is safety. I make a point of walking around the site and talking to operators. This gives me a good impression of the site’s safety performance. What’s the single biggest threat to the gases business, in your view? In the UK, manufacturing is a key driver for our business. As more of our users move 48

operations overseas, the industrial gases industry continues to feel the pressure. Organisations like the BCGA [British Compressed Gas Association] are doing what they can to promote the needs of the industry, but it is vital that the Government continues to invest in the future of British manufacturing. What’s the single most exciting thing? There are many things that I love about this industry – that’s why I’m in my 25th year. As well as new market opportunities and product innovation, I’m particularly excited about the fact that as an organisation, we continue to focus on products and offerings with environmental and energy efficiency benefits such as hydrogen fuel. As an alternative fuel I believe it’s got real potential for the future; and it’s great to know that Air Products will be part of that. What was the most memorable day of your career? 1st July 2002 certainly stands out for me both professionally and personally. I was made general manager for Air Products Germany on that day – a big step up for me at the time and it was also the day I moved house. On top of that we were rolling out a new ERP system in Germany for the first time, which was a huge project requiring incredible amounts of hard work. It was tough, but a great experience. Who or what has been your biggest influence in your gas career to date? My first boss, Eckehart Roeder. When I started life at Air Products as a graduate he coached me through my first few roles and set me challenges and opportunities. He taught me the basics of what it takes to be a manager and led by example in the way he worked with his team. We’re still close friends today. What’s next? What’s the main project you’re working on right now? High on my agenda at the moment is the roll out of the UK Fire and Rescue Service’s revised guidelines around

“There are many things I love about this industry – that’s why I’m in my 25th year” handling acetylene cylinders exposed to fire. Following a number of incidents in 2005/6 which caused significant disruption to the public, the BCGA and a number of other groups have been working with the Fire and Rescue Service, to review operational guidance. The new guidelines represent realistic, manageable measures which continue to prioritise safety.

10 MINUTES MORE...

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Regional MaRKeTS

Regional Markets Focus on: Japan Courtesy of The Gas Review’s Izumi Ohe

he financial closings of Japanese industrial gas companies for March 2011 (running from April 2010 to March 2011) show that although companies had been starting to return to the levels seen before the ‘Lehman Shock’, there were losses caused by the major earthquake in Eastern Japan which occurred on 11th March. It is expected that the sales of the four majors, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Air Water, Iwatani, and Air Liquide Japan (Japan Air Gases), totalled around ¥1.7 trillion. This represents a growth of 10.8% over the previous year. However, the reporting period of Japan Air Gases (JAG) only runs from January to December 2010. Sales of Taiyo Nippon Sanso were up by 11.6%, while those of Air Water were up by 10.7%, followed by JAG with an increase of 6.8% – which is according to a Gas Review estimate. Iwatani, which is involved with the energy business, in particular LP gas, showed a growth of 11.4%. Sales of its industrial gas division only amounted to about ¥122.3bn, up by 9.4%. The total recurring profit of the industrial gas divisions of the four majors came to about ¥89.1bn, not quite reaching the ¥100bn level. Still, recurring profit was up by 26.9% over the previous year. However, in the end result these are the figures running from April 2010 to March, 2011 (JAG from January to December, 2010). The effects from the earthquake are basically not included here at all. Paying the penalty? The business results of other companies have recovered to about 95% of the level 50

before the Lehman Shock. However, due to the disastrous earthquake which occurred on 11th March, companies have since been compelled to record an extraordinary loss due to expenses related to restoration of damaged facilities. As a result of the earthquake, the outlook for the rest of this year is unclear. The total extraordinary loss caused by the earthquake recorded by Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Air Water, and Iwatani amounted to around ¥4.9bn. In May of this year, the Japan Fair Trade Commission charged Taiyo Nippon Sanso, Air Liquide Japan, Air Water, and Iwatani of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law regarding prices as of April 2008 of air separated gases. The charge referred to oxygen, nitrogen and argon supplied by tank truck, but excluded gas for medical purposes. The total amount of the fine ordered to be paid by the four companies totaled around ¥14.1bn. Taiyo Nippon Sanso and Air Water calculated the equivalent amount they had to pay in their March 2011 closing, so it will not affect the closing for the current term, ending in March 2012. Because of the penalty, both companies’ net profit became a loss. As a recent trend, the special features of these four companies have been made very clear. For Taiyo Nippon Sanso, sales overseas account for 25% of total sales. The company is moving ahead with a strategy aimed at turning into a global scale company. M&A activities in the US have contributed to the increase in earnings while in addition, the steady demand in the electronics, steel, and chemical sectors in the emerging nations such as China (as

well as in Japan itself) had a positive effect to the closing. For Air Water, the growth of its group companies in medical, chemical, and energy related sectors other than the industrial gas related companies, has greatly contributed to the increase in earnings. In addition, there are also small scale, but profitable, businesses such as transportation and the seawater product business. The growth of all of these businesses is driving the overall business of the company. JAG follows the corporate strategy of the parent company in France, Air Liquide, which has clearly come out with a philosophy which concentrates on industrial gas. JAG is putting effort into winning customers in Japan in the electronics, and steel sectors. In July of this year, it sold its cryogenic equipment manufacturing and marketing business to Iwatani. Iwatani itself has sales totaling ¥620bn, the largest among the four Japanese majors. Of this, sales of the total energy business, which includes LP gas, account for about half of this. Sales of industrial gas are rather small. However, as a business which fuses energy and industrial gas, 8

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“The company is moving ahead with a strategy aimed at turning into a global scale company” www.gasworld.com/regionalmarkets

Regional MaRKeTS

4Iwatani is expanding its business of liquid

hydrogen for commercial use, as the only one handling this business in Japan. The company plans to become actively involved in liquid hydrogen and fuel cells, heading toward the realisation of a hydrogen energy-driven society. What runs through these four companies as a common thread is that there is concern about a trend to shift production overseas. This is due to the high value of the yen and to the maturing of the market regarding the steel, chemical, electronics, automotive, and machinery industries. Due to strong feelings of danger regarding business in Japan, one of the two major producers in Japan, Taiyo Nippon Sanso, is putting effort into its overseas business, while Air Water is putting effort into growth areas other than gas, thereby sustaining growth in Japan.

Focus on: Japan – REGIONAL MARKETS

Closings for FY2011, consolidated (end of March 2011) Source: TGR estimates, Issue No. 340

Taiyo Nippon Sanso Air Water

Iwatani Koatsu Gas Kogyo

(¥ in mil.)

FY2011

FY2010

Y/Y (%)

Sales

483,620

433,390

11.6

Operating Profit

35,468

27,556

28.7

Sales

471,809

426,357

10.7

Operating Profit

31,268

28,202

10.9

Sales

618,844

555,477

11.4

Operating Profit

14,868

13,732

8.3

Sales

67,791

62,445

8.5

Operating Profit

4,448

3,177

40.0

* Closing of Koatsu Gas Kogyo will be reported in The Gas Review No. 341.

Distributors Among the distributors closing their books during the January-December period of 2010, there were 162 distributors recording sales of over ¥1bn. Total sales came to ¥862.6bn. In 2008, there were 180 distributors, with total sales or ¥1.09 trillion. For 2010, there was a decrease of 10% over 2008, of these companies, and total sales were down by 21%. There are distributors which sell utilities such as cylinders as well as welding materials and machinery, but they cannot be said to be steadily recovering like the producers are. The reason for this is that the demand for scrapping and building such as construction and public investment, which are the main applications for welding, went down from the peak period of the 1990s by 50%. Still, the demand for cylinders for use in construction in the recovery effort is expected to rise. The disastrous earthquake Gas plants which were damaged by the disastrous earthquake and tsunami have by now been basically restored, while the manufacturing set-up of the users is being steadily restored. However, at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, clean-up operations are still being conducted. As for how this relates to gas, nitrogen PSA is being used for the prevention of hydrogen explosion, and for removal of the oxygen existing in the coolant water used for the reactor. In addition, gas related equipment such as pressure gauges are also being used. The government was slow in its initial response to the nuclear incident. There was damage to the reputation for quality of Japanese products and a problem has 52

Top 10 distributors in sales for 2010 Source: TGR estimates, Issue No. 340

Rank

Rank for 2009

Distributor

Location

Closings

Sales (¥ in mil.)

YOY (%)

Sales in 2009 (¥ in mil.)

Tomoe Shokai

Tokyo

Aug.

64,868

10.3

58,815

Saisan

Saitama

Aug.

49,652

10.5

44,949

Matsumoto Sangyo

Osaka

Mar.

36,272

-30.8

52,383

Susuki Shokan

Tokyo

Mar.

29,187

-16.4

34,898

Toyoko Kagaku

Kanagawa

Mar.

24,167

-29.5

34,284

Hokkaido Air Water

Hokkaido

Mar.

22,655

-1.3

22,958

Tokai Yozai

Shizuoka

Nov.

18,203

5.4

17,276

Saan Tech

Hyogo

Dec.

17,185

71.6

10,017

Daio

Osaka

Mar.

17,111

-14.8

20,092

Sanin Sanso Kogyo

Tottori

Mar.

16,576

-11.9

18,823

arisen regarding the outflow of people to other regions or countries. There is a concern about what the effect will be on industrial activity in the surrounding regions, as well as on Japan as a whole. Outlook Regarding the outlook for this year, there will be a demand as of July related to the recovery. Overall, along with the recovery of the supply chain, production of part of the manufacturing industries is expected to get on the move – and a recovery in the demand for gas is also anticipated. However, there is still concern about how

the status of the nuclear power station, and the shortage of electricity caused by the shutting down of the nuclear power stations will affect economic activity. In addition, the markets of the EU, the US, and Northeast Asia, especially China, are unstable. The sharp rise in the value of the yen is also a cause for worry. During the latter half of this year, there will be aspects of optimism and despair, depending on such numerous factors as the status of the nuclear power stations, the shortage of electricity, trends in the economies of EU, the US, and China, and trends in the currency movement. www.gasworld.com/regionalmarkets

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Medical oxygen A major evolution in the market

Oxygen concentrators can now be installed in European hospitals, a development that Laurent Zenou explains here.

edical oxygen is a theme enjoying a major European evolution, after the implementation of a new oxygen monograph at the European pharmacopeia in April 2011. European hospitals used to have two choices for supplying medical oxygen to their medical gas network, depending on their consumption they could either purchase liquid oxygen stored in an on-site bulk, or purchase oxygen cylinders refills. During the past 20 years, PSA oxygen concentrators for the supply of medical gas distribution systems have appeared on the worldwide market. This third way of supplying oxygen to hospitals is by definition a complete alternative, as the

oxygen is produced on-site, without delivery and storage. Monograph oxygen 93% Initially developed for remote areas, medical oxygen concentrators have subsequently convinced many city hospitals in North America, Africa, Middle East and Asia that they are able to supply medical oxygen at a competitive price compared to liquid oxygen or cylinders. Only the European hospitals remained hermetic to this development it seemed, waiting for the position of the European Pharmacopeia. Indeed, in Europe as in the US, oxygen for medical use is considered as a drug and must get a pharmaceutical

description in the pharmacopeia. The oxygen produced by cryogenic distillation has received in years since a monograph, but the oxygen produced by PSA concentrators did not have its own monograph in Europe, only in the US – until April 2011, when the European Pharmacopeia implemented the monograph ‘Oxygen 93%’. This new monograph covers the pharmaceutical description of oxygen for medical use, produced on-site by PSA oxygen concentrators. NOVAIR Group Project Engineer Laurent Zenou explains the significance of the new acceptance in Europe, “We were waiting for this monograph for more than 10 years.” www.gasworld.com/specialfeatures

SPECIAL FEATURE

maximal content of pollutants which are more restrictive in the new monograph. On-site production benefits include: • Environmentally friendly: avoids the comings and goings of trucks for oxygen delivery, and the corresponding CO2 emissions • Safety: avoids having to have a storage of oxygen, which is a highly combustive gas, in the hospital • Competitiveness: production costs for the user are in most cases lower than the purchase cost of oxygen reloads.

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PSA technology Oxygen concentrators for individual usage are medical devices, used for a long time

“We can assume that oxygen concentrators will take a share of the market within the next decade”

“But we finally get it. It was incredible to hear people being sceptical about the medical acceptance of oxygen produced by PSA concentrators, while hundreds of thousands hospital beds outside Europe were using our technology for years!” “But now that this monograph is published, many European projects we had in our hands are being unlocked. Within the past months we have already successfully installed our systems in France, Greece, Ireland, Poland and Czech Republic.” The two monographs differ principally on the minimal content of oxygen, which shall be 99,5% for oxygen produced by cryogenic distillation and 93% +/- 3% for oxygen produced by PSA, and on the October 2011

for the oxygenotherapy of the patients attained by respiratory insufficiency. Oxygen concentrators for central oxygen supply is based on the same PSA technology, but of course at larger scale and with more functions of control and monitoring. Oxygen concentrators are considered as medical devices by the European directive 93/42/EEC. For this reason, manufacturers must be certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 by an authorised body. Ambient air contains 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, 0.9% argon and 0.1% of rare gases. The so called PSA (pressure swing adsorption) technology consists in a static separation of all these gases thanks to a specific molecular sieve whose property is to adsorb nitrogen under pressure. The oxygen concentrator is mainly comprised of two separation vessels (zeolites) filled with molecular sieve adsorbers. As compressed air pressurises one vessel, the nitrogen becomes more and more retained by the molecular sieve and the oxygen goes straight to the outlet of the generator. When the vessel is approaching nitrogen saturation, the process switches to the second vessel and the adsorbed nitrogen in the first vessel is released into the ambient air. The cycle is then repeated indefinitely. “The content of oxygen produced by PSA concentrators is usually between 94% and 96%. Besides, an advanced version of the PSA Technology, with a double stage

separation process, is also available for an oxygen production at a level of 99% to 99.5%,” says Zenou. Installation design The manufacture and installation of an oxygen concentrator for the supply of a medical gas distribution system in a hospital is described in the European norm ISO 10083, the British norm HTM 02-01, and the American norm NFPA 99c. According to those standards, an oxygen plant shall be composed by three independent sources of oxygen supply. The primary source is composed of an oxygen concentrator, the second source can be composed either of an oxygen concentrator, oxygen cylinders, or an oxygen bulk, whereas the third source or back-up is generally always composed of oxygen cylinders. “We have some interesting examples where an oxygen concentrator and bulk oxygen works in a perfect harmony,” Zenou adds. “Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem (Israel) is a 330-bed hospital with an impressive service of 120 beds in intensive care units. This hospital has been using one of our oxygen concentrators since 2007 for 75% of its needs. The 25% left are supplied by the liquid oxygen.” Forecast We can assume that oxygen concentrators will take a share of the market within the next decade. What is interesting in this story is that it’s not only an innovative equipment which is entering the market. This evolution will also have implications for the market players, to modify their business model of oxygen delivery – to include in it a model in which the oxygen is produced on-site, without delivery.

NOVAIR GROUP NOVAIR started its activities in the on-site gas production and compression business in 1977 as a privately-owned company. With its head office and factory in France, located just near Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, the company supplies innovative gas solutions in more than 60 countries, all over the world, through a global network of distributors and affiliates. Organised into two different sectors, NOVAIR’s medical division focuses on the design and manufacture of innovative medical gas production for clinics and hospitals and has been a manufacturer of medical oxygen concentrators since 1995. Laurent Zenou: laurent.zenou@novair.fr

SPECIAL FEATURE

Filling for chemical gas sterilants – A case study German gas filling solutions company, Filltech, describes the quest for safe filling and blending of chemical gas sterilants in North Africa, in an interview with gasworld magazine.

lgeria, North Africa. March 2011. Filltech GmbH, together with Belgian company Chemogas, was tasked to take part in developing a filling plant for chemical gas sterilants, amidst increasing demand for new sterilisation techniques. The companies joined forces to develop an automated gas filling plant for ethylene oxide used for the hospital sector in Algeria, a plant where safety and efficiency go hand-in-hand. Here, Filltech shares its experience of the project with gasworld and describes a growing trend of interest to the industrial gas and equipment community.

gases to hospitals, sterilisation companies and various manufacturers of medical equipment. An interesting growth driver in the North African country, Linde Gas Algerie focused on ethylene oxide (EtO) as the answer for this application.

Local demand Through the construction of new public hospitals and private clinics in Algeria, the local demand for medical equipment and supplies has increased. This developing medical sector, and the improvement of public institutions like hospitals, has increased the demand for new sterilisation techniques. To cater for this, Linde Gas Algerie, a division of The Linde Group, has recently been confronted with a strong demand to fill, blend and distribute chemical sterilising

Why EtO? Highly toxic and flammable, EtO is used in both its pure form and a blended form for the cold sterilisation of surgery equipments and medical textiles. Deployed for sterilisation purposes, the gas can kill all known viruses, bacteria and fungi, including bacterial spores. Leon Deneef, Area Sales Manager of Chemogas in Belgium, explained in a statement, “EtO is of great importance in the sterilisation of food, medical supplies and the production of pesticides. In

“

“EtO is used for the cold sterilisation of surgery equipments...”

the hospital sector, EtO is used for the sterilisation of surgical equipment and medical textiles.” But it does have that toxic and flammable nature – and is also carcinogenic. The carcinogenicity of EtO may be influenced by the nature, duration and level of exposure, for example through skin contact, inhalation or ingestion, with exposure to this gas associated largely with an increased risk of developing leukemia. The filling, blending and distribution of this gas therefore requires a thorough know-how and level of experience, with Linde Gas Algerie aware that it needed a particular project partner. Safe and efficient filling The company turned to renowned specialist in chemical gas filling and distribution, Chemogas, for its assistance in nurturing this potentially hazardous gas. Chemogas Belgium, also part of The Linde Group, specialises in the filling, blending, distribution and waste disposal of an array of hazardous gases, including EtO, and has more than 25 years of experience in the handling of dangerous chemical gases in 40 countries. “Through an increased demand for chemical gas sterilants, Linde Gas Algerie noticed a need to fill, blend and distribute EtO gas cartridges locally,” Deneef said. To achieve this, Chemogas itself joined forces with Filltech as the two companies sought to meet the challenge laid down by Linde – to develop a safe gas filling plant for EtO that could handle a constant and increasing number of EtO gas cartridge filling. Filltech boasts a considerable experience of its own in the field of developing and building effective gas filling plants for the treatment of industrial, chemical and medical gases. Together with Chemogas, Filltech engineers came up with a fully automated gas filling plant to dose, fill and weigh EtO cylinders without any human intervention at all. A direct link with a robust IT system ensures that filling information, the date and responsible employee are recorded and can be traced if necessary, while the plant ensures a vacuum removal of any residual EtO too. Describing the functionality of the plant developed, and its significance to a developing medical market in the region, Filltech GmbH CEO Michael Peine explained, “The gas filling plant developed will not only increase security; efficiency also plays an important role. We are convinced that the increasing demand in Algeria can now be safely, and successfully, followed up.” www.gasworld.com/specialfeature

SPECIAL FEATURE

An introduction to...

Cryobio equipment

he primary function of cryobio freezing systems is to block, or at least slow down, intracellular functions without damaging the physicochemical structures on which these functions depend. Progress in the field of cryobionics has perhaps been delayed by the lack of equipment and given that biological materials of either plant or animal origin consist of greater than 50% water, finding a solution was critical to progress. The preservation of biological matter was clinically important to enable the storage of human and animal tissue in growing volumes. Such tissue was required for vaccine production, stem cell work, research into human fertility, regenerative medicine such as in cancer treatment and in animal husbandry, botanical studies, aquaculture, and seed and fungi banking in conservation. Reducing the temperature of any living organism activity slows down and eventually stops altogether. In simple biological organisms the chemical reactions of life can be suspended for an unlimited duration, but organisms with high-level complexity are far more vulnerable to freezing damage. The main causes of cell death are the formation of intracellular ice and secondary damage caused by the increase in solute concentration, as progressively more ice forms up to a specific level which corresponds to the eutectic point and can therefore cause cellular dehydration. Alternatve protocols Cryopreservation, or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;controlled rateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; freezing is achieved by slow cooling with the induction of ice crystallisation in the medium, outside the cells or embryos, thus causing a progressive dehydration of the cells. The challenge of designing the ideal freezing system is complicated by the absence of definitive rules that apply to the freezing of mammalian cells and tissues. Acceptable cooling conditions were largely determined by trial and error it is thought, resulting in protocols that stipulate rates and patterns of cooling, and also specify which cryoprotectant agents to use, for example. The ideal cooling rate is low enough to allow the cell to lose sufficient water to prevent premature intracellular freezing. However, if the rate is too slow the cells will be exposed to a high salt concentration for

too long a period. Alternatively, vitrification uses ultra-rapid cooling of the medium containing the cells or embryos. The mediumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s molecules do not have sufficient time to rearrange themselves into a crystal structure, but rather retain an amorphous structure with greatly increased viscosity. This technique enables the preservation of important and difficult-to-freeze living cell types including spermatozoa and embryos, but is still limited to small samples and can require high concentrations of potentially toxic cryoprotectant chemicals. Lyophilisation (freeze drying, see below) is a manufacturing process step often used to gently stabilise pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, food products and intermediates. Because lyophilisation dehydrates products in the frozen state, the refrigeration system is in fact a critical component.

Cryobiology is an increasingly important sector to the gas and equipment business.

Equipment development Driven by the demands of expanding life science activities, a wide range of freezers have been developed including colder mechanical freezers and the perhaps more sophisticated liquid nitrogen-based equipment technology. Simultaneously, the need for control, monitoring and alarming of the equipment used with these valuable specimens

increased. In turn, the technology developed allowed internet-based logging, control and feedback to scientists to improve dramatically the whole environment for important cell lines. The latest evolution of liquid nitrogen freezing systems, are designed to apply the liquid nitrogen refrigerant indirectly and this improves the efficiency of operation.

LYOPHILISATION Valuable cells needing to be precision frozen included: bone marrow, semen, oocytes, botanical seeds, skin, ovarian tissue, heart valves, blood vessels, stem cells and other cell lines. A typical lyophilisation process consists of three stages: freezing (solidification), primary drying (ice sublimation), and secondary drying (moisture desorption). Lyophilisation (or freeze drying) is the preferred process used by the pharmaceutical industry to preserve pharmaceutical products with minimum disruption to their formulation and preserve quality, while substantially increasing shelf life. Lyophilisation works by freezing the material, and then reducing the surrounding pressure and adding enough heat to allow the frozen water in the material to sublime

directly from the solid phase to the gas phase. Lyophilised products can be reconstituted quickly and easily, which is important for medical applications. However, pharmaceutical quality control and validation places significant demands on process reproducibility and product uniformity. New product formulations are increasingly putting more rigorous demands on the low temperatures and cooling rates that are crucial to the process. Freeze drying is essentially a batch operation with complex cycles lasting for several hours or more, but until now technology has been limited when it comes to thermal control of the shelves and condensers of pharmaceutical freeze dryers, both integral components in the two-step lyophilisation process.

www.gasworld.com/specialfeatures

ZHOUSHAN FUMIN GASES PLANT CO.,LTD

618

VIPR - Oxygen

Zhoushan Fumin Gases Plant Co., Ltd was established in 1986, as a specialist developer and manufacturer of piston gas compressors for processing air gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide.

TECHNICAL spECIfICATIoNs: • 2 stage regulating system (300-50 bar / 0-6 bar) • pressure indicator (0-360 bar) Built into the valve body • pressure gauge (0-10 bar) Built into the valve body • 2 stage regulating system, safety valve, RpV in one unit for easy maintainance • filter incorporated to protect the regulating unit • Max flow rate 250 l/min Min. 20 bar • BAM Approved: acording to Iso 22435

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Our company is happy to provide customer-specific solutions, providing optimised, economic gas compressors and equipment according to your design, configuration and requirements.

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www.herose.com 61

COMPANY PROFILE

Oxymat A/S

Independent sources of oxygen and nitrogen

anish-based Oxymat A/S specialises in designing and manufacturing on-site nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) generators and does so with a very clear environmental vision: Becoming known worldwide as the PSA (pressure swing adsorption technology) manufacturer with the lowest CO2 emission in the market! “We want to be known as the strongest player in the market! Our solutions are competitively priced and our quality exceeds that of other high quality PSA manufacturers,” says Oxymat President Jesper Sjögren. By August 2011 the obligatory 24-hour tests for a new set-up on the O2 range has been finalised and the results are crystal clear; the energy consumption of the plants can be decreased with another 13% (minimum) for the four bar outlet generator programme. “In the future our range will include PSA oxygen systems with an air factor below 10 at 94% purity,” Sjögren continues, “Our existing programme is still 11,3 at 94% purity, which means energy consumption will be lowered by approximately 13%. This new low air factor will position Oxymat as the only manufacturer of low CO2 emission oxygen generators.” According to Sjögren, service plays a key role on PSA generator systems, from project start-up to evaluation, and throughout the life-span of the generator system. “Once installed our customers rightly expect the generator to operate flawlessly and we know that any unforeseen problems can have an immediate and major impact to running any business, whether it is fish farm, an oil tanker or a medical facility.” “Our highly educated specialist can travel worldwide at short notice just as our worldwide call centres are on duty 24 hours per day,” Sjögren concludes. Applications worldwide Oxymat has been manufacturing O2 generators since 1978 and N2 generators since 2001. The company is headquartered just north of Copenhagen, Denmark and has 60 employees working in two manufacturing locations in Denmark and Slovakia. The customers are global and Oxymat plants can be found in all corners of the world, 62

from Asia, Africa and Australia to South America and Europe. Sales are first and foremost based on a solid distribution network, with more than 100 distributors, agents and partners based around the world. The standard generator systems are available in nearly 70 standard models, and oxygen flowrates from 0,6 to 1000 m3/hr, and nitrogen flowrates from 0,3 to 10.000 m3/hr. Applications served include marine and offshore, food stuffs and electronics, medical and aquaculture industries, glass work, mining and ozone treatment, to steel and metal cutting, and waste water treatment to name a few. At Oxymat new challenges are embraced and out-of-thebox solutions are designed and developed to serve any need. Through the years this approach has resulted in state-of-the-art solutions such as Field Hospital Filling Stations for NATO and Swedish Nuclear Power Stations. All models operate with Oxymat in-house designed and developed control systems,

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“The PSA manufacturer with the lowest CO2 emission in the market” from the simplest control system to the most advanced system with touch screen control and remote access, which makes day-to-day operation simple for the user. More than 2000 Oxymat generator systems are currently in operation around the world. GET IN TOUCH

Jesper Bo Sjogren CEO, Oxymat Group email: sales@oxymat.com www.oxymat.com