Air Products Delivers the Difference – Strong Customer Focus Puts The Company Ahead in the Packaged Gas Supply Chain
Air Products South Africa, industry leaders in the manufacture, supply and distribution of industrial and specialty gas products, prides itself on an effective supply chain based on open channels of communication.
This is especially true of the Packaged Gas Business Unit, which operates a responsive, ‘just-in-time’ (JIT) system, according to customer demand.
Shamo Moonsamy, Customer Service Manager: Packaged Gas at Air Products describes how the company keeps its finger closely on the pulse of market demand and is in constant touch with its customers.
“A crucial part of our operations is our daily meeting where the key stakeholders – Customer Services, Production and Distribution – come together to look at the customer requirements.
After the meeting we get in touch with the customer and keep him up to date with the status of his order. This proactive feedback to customers is a key feature of how Air Products does business.”
The result of this interactive approach is a flexible, organic supply chain system, based on the principle of sound communication, and delivering on promises.
“We call this ‘service that delivers the difference’”, says Moonsamy, who emphasises the company’s commitment to a 24 hour service delivery.
“By keeping the channels of communication open, Air Products can deliver on our promise of the quickest possible turnaround,” he says.
This is one of the reasons why Air Products runs its own fleet of delivery trucks.
In addition, the company regards its fleet drivers as an important link in an effective supply chain, and as such, values its older, more experienced drivers.
“Again, it goes back to the people factor”, says Moonsamy. Our drivers are very much part of the customer service ethos – they are trusted to deal with customers: and are trained in customer relationship management and in understanding customer requirements.”
Although manual processes form the backbone of the Packaged Gas supply chain, technology also plays a key role in managing the supply chain. GPS vehicle tracking systems and recording devices on trucks monitor speed, diversion from routes, delays, as well as erratic driving behaviour. This means that Air Products can keep a close eye on what happens on the roads, and thus protect its drivers as well as its vehicles.
The company is in the process of implementing new hand held technology which should affect a smoother invoicing process. With information pre-loaded through the host system and transferred to the hand-held device, invoicing records are constantly updated and each transaction is recorded instantaneously.
The Packaged Gas business is run on a just-in-time principle and Air Products uses the Kanban system to analyse the rate of production in relation to customer demand.
“The Kanban system is based on the number of cylinders dispatched over a fixed period of time, closely monitoring stock levels and the volumes that need to be replenished in order to maintain optimum levels”, says Moonsamy.
The dynamic nature of the business means that Packaged Gas does not rely on strenuous planning. “It is a ‘today for tomorrow’ operational ethos. And because we have to be flexible and responsive to demand, we find that a largely manual system, one that is optimised to suit the customer, works most efficiently.”
Moonsamy concludes: “We run a very lean and cost-effective operation with minimal technology: we consistently outshine the industry benchmark, when we compare our running costs against the RFA (Road Freight Association) figures.
Daily communications mean we have control over our service delivery and when it comes to our 24 hour turnaround, we really do deliver the difference!”
Published on August 22, 2011 in Air Products News |
Air Products guarantees security of supply for all gases in the cutting process
Air Products South Africa ensures that there is security of supply for all essential industrial and speciality gases in cutting applications. “In the case of high volume nitrogen and oxygen gases for laser cutting, we provide a dedicated uninterrupted service,” says Sean Young, Welding Specialist at Air Products South Africa.
He explains that high pressure gas is required for laser cutting, and that Air Products introduced Maxitank to meet customers’ essential requirements. “We strive to provide unmatched customer service through the Maxitank concept. The company introduced the tank, aiming to reduce its reliance on cylinder assets.”
According to Young, each Maxitank is linked to a telemetry system which provides Air Products with up-to-the-minute tank levels. The tank stores high purity, liquefied gas and is often selected to replace cylinders or bulk in the usage range of 0,1 to 30 metric tonnes per month.
“There were a few technical challenges in guaranteeing security of gas supply for industry through the Maxitank,” says Young, adding that Joshua le Roux, Air Products South Africa General Manager of Packaged Gas, recognised the potential for the use of a Maxitank in the laser cutting industry.
Le Roux explains: “When Maxitank was developed by Air Products South Africa, it was considered as an industry pathfinder for laser cutting applications; and is still leading the market today.”
Maxitanks are filled by an Air Products-introduced Ocar tanker. As standard road tankers are not equipped to fill both high and low pressure bulk systems and Maxitanks, each Ocar tanker was dedicated to one gas type. A dedicated filling facility is based in Kempton Park.
Air Products owns each Maxitank to ensure customer service, quality, traceability and management.
“Through our Managed Gas concept, Air Products provides customers with holistic, end-to-end management of all their gas requirements. This in turn, allows customers to focus on their core business more effectively. We furthermore provide full technical back-up service and follow-up. There is therefore a cradle-to-grave approach of ownership and accountability,” notes Young.
He continues: “Air Products provides a 24 hour, 7 day a week back-up maintenance service.” Preventative maintenance is carried out on a regular basis according to a schedule. This system is part of the ISO 9001 listing, therefore regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance.
All equipment complies with industry specifications, safety standards and is maintained in such condition. All work is carried out by trained technicians. Any addition or alterations to the installation is routed through Air Products, which has qualified personnel to design and carry out these additions or alterations.”
In addition, Young discusses on-site gas management for customers. This is encompassed in outlook services, designed to serve the needs of industrial companies that require flawless gas supply at low total cost. “Our scope of services includes on-site management of cylinder, bulk and pipeline gases, wet chemicals, maintenance services, engineering and technical consulting.”
“Air Products understands industrial gas chemistry, industry requirements, customer service and accountability. This is crucial in the cutting industry, and we are dedicated to customers’ needs,” concludes Young.
Published on August 15, 2011 in Air Products News |
Making Snow While The Sun Shines: Leading Gas Supplier Rises to a Festive Challenge
As a leading supplier of gas and chemical products to South Africa for more than 40 years, Air Products South Africa services a multitude of industries, including paper and pulp, petrochemical, mining and engineering.
However, as Sachin Kulkarni, Air Products’ National Sales Manager for Bulk Gases says, the company is ever ready to meet new challenges and discover new markets for its products and technologies.
“It has always been one of Air Products’ main objectives to introduce innovative new technologies, which, in turn, open up new markets for our products.”
One such fresh challenge presented itself late last year, when Air Products was approached by Mark Wilson, Managing Director of Live Productions and Events, to assist in a major Christmas event at Carnival City in Gauteng. The challenge, in short, was to create 12 days’ worth of freshly-made snow to transform a 60m x 45m marquee into a winter wonderland.
This amounted to 240 tons of snow, which involved a carefully worked out logistical plan and close communication between the events company and Air Products.
One of the most popular means of making snow, explains Wilson, is the cryogenic method, which involves a combination of liquid nitrogen, compressed air and water.
“Air Products supplied the bulk liquid nitrogen, stored in tankers at –180ºC, which is instrumental in ensuring the right freezing conditions for the vaporised air to form snow”, he explains.
He comments that making snow is a process which is not as simple as it might seem, and requires the experience of technical personnel and carefully calibrated equipment. Having been one of South Africa’s specialists in snow making for a number of years, Wilson ascribes much of the success of his company to a joint venture he has with Europe’s main snow making company, Polar Europe, who supplies his equipment.
So how exactly does one make 240 tons of snow in the middle of a Gauteng summer?
Wilson explains: “We have two or three tents, depending on the amount of snow required in which water is blasted into a fine vapour at a temperature of between -10 and -15°C. The liquid nitrogen is used for the cooling down process,” he says. “In the tents”, Wilson continues, “we create the perfect atmospheric conditions for a proper snow storm, with perfectly formed powdered snow. We ultimately produce the correct atmospheric conditions for snow to form naturally. This is done through the use of a snow gun, which is in fact a kind of carburettor, blending the three main elements. The end result is snow as pure as found on any Alpine mountain slope.”
Logistically, the exercise involved a daily delivery of liquid nitrogen in an Air Products cryogenic tanker at around 5am, in order to make about 20-30 tons of snow prior to the event. This went on for a total of twelve days, with a total of 240 tons of liquid nitrogen delivered (one ton of liquid nitrogen makes one ton of snow).
“There were a few teething problems, initially”, says Wilson, “but all thanks to the Air Products team, these were quickly and efficiently sorted out: they were particularly flexible and hands-on in their approach, which is exactly what one needs in a massive project like this.”
Having worked with Air Products on previous events, it made sense to approach them again, says Wilson. “And once again they were very professional in their approach. The communication levels were superb, and the delivery went like clockwork.”
Wilson, in pointing out the potential hazards in handling such large volumes of liquid nitrogen, emphasised that safety was at the forefront of everyone’s minds. “Once again, Air Products came to the party. They provided expert advice and conducted regular inspections to ensure that the environment was a completely safe one for our customers.”
Snow Productions also teamed up with Air Products for a one day Christmas party in Menlyn, Pretoria, which according to Wilson, also went very smoothly.
Says Kulkarni: “These events were both hugely successful in creating proper alpine conditions to the Highveld – complete with tobogganing and snow ball fights – and Air Products was proud to be able to add to the festivities, truly ‘making snow while the sun shone’!”
Published on August 5, 2011 in Air Products News |
Towards a Greener Future: Gas Technologies and In-House Energy Saving Drive Put Air Products Ahead of the Game
Air Products, industry leaders for more than 40 years in the manufacture and supply of gas products and technology, is constantly examining innovative ways in which it can make a meaningful contribution towards a ‘greener’ environment.
Apart from in-house initiatives, Air Products’ quest is also to bring environmentally friendly solutions to its customers.
“Our focus is in assisting other companies in order to reduce the carbon footprint of their industrial processes”, says Dustin Mulder, Marketing Manager of Air Products South Africa. “Air Products works tirelessly on developing technologies which address environmental concerns – and the industries we have helped include paper, cement, mining, petrochemical and the food industry, among others.”
The kinds of technologies developed by Air Products are as wide-ranging as the industries themselves, from ozone technology to cyanide destruction to industrial cryogenics. But they share a common goal: to lessen the impact of industrial processes on the natural world, most particularly the air that we breathe and the water we drink.
“At a time when water scarcity looms as one of the planet’s most serious worries, Air Products is working long and hard to provide sustainable solutions to protect and nurture this valuable resource”, says Mulder.
Thus, one of the areas in which the company has made tangible inroads is in water treatment, specifically through the application of ozone technology.
Not only is ozone a powerful disinfectant, it is also highly effective in removing heavy metal toxicity and endocrine disruptors as well as any other unwelcome organic matter in drinking water.
“The use of ozone in a water treatment plant basically eliminates the need for the range of chemicals used in conventional water treatment plants”, explains Sachin Kulkarni, National Sales Manager: Bulk Gases, adding that Air Products is enjoying great success with the use of ozone in its own water cooling towers.
“The elimination of harsh water treatment chemicals means that the water can be recycled many times more, with none of the harmful by-products associated with chemical disinfectants. Our water is cleaner, we are saving more of it – and reducing our water effluent.”
Another area in which Air Products assists companies in reducing their carbon footprint, is through combustion optimisation, Kulkarni explains:
“In the cement industry, for instance, the introduction of oxygen into a lime kiln results in a significantly more efficient combustive process. Oxygen basically enhances the capability of the flame, creating better efficiency, reducing the primary coal load, with the net result of more carbon credits.
“By adding oxygen, we can reduce the amount of fuel burnt per ton of product and increase the capacity of the kiln by about 10%.”
He adds that a further benefit of introducing oxygen into the combustive process is an improvement in the gas emissions from the stack, including a reduction in the nitrogen load, as well as a reduction in toxic gas emission into the environment, such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide.
In industrial freezing and refrigeration, Air Products has assisted the food industry in reducing its carbon footprint through the use of nitrogen. Cryogenic technology is a much quicker and more efficient way of freezing food substances, resulting not only in reduced power usage but reduction in the kind of harsh chemicals used in conventional refrigeration.
Exciting inroads have also been made in the field of hydrogen fuelling at Air Products. As a leader in hydrogen energy technologies, the company is at the forefront of the development of hydrogen fuel station technology. A number of demonstration projects are under way in the US and Europe, and to date, Air Products has engineered more than 80 hydrogen stations around the world.
Kulkarni comments: “Air Products has over fifteen years of experience in hydrogen fuelling – and this technology can be used for a variety of vehicles, including cars, buses and forklifts. The technology is being developed alongside hydrogen vehicle production, and because hydrogen is abundant and renewable, and produces no emissions, it is the cleanest way of meeting the world’s energy needs.”
Closer to home, Air Products South Africa has been at the forefront of cyanide destruction technology, successfully piloting a project at a local gold mine. “Having developed the technology, we will focus on marketing it”, Kulkarni says, looking to the company’s future plans.
Like its global counterpart, Air Products will also be increasing its focus on water treatment.
“There is undoubtedly a water crisis in this country, as in most parts of the world. Apart from scarcity, our water treatment plants were not built or designed to cope with the kind of pollutants we have to deal with these days”, Kulkarni comments, referring to increasing volumes of effluent in waste water, as well as the increase in levels of heavy metal, pharmaceutical waste and endocrine disruptors.
“We see the future of water treatment as of critical importance and will continue in our efforts to promote the use of ozone technology to play a fundamental role in the future of our water resources.”
But going ‘green’ is not just about technology. Air Products also believes its people play an important role, hence the drive for a drastic reduction in electricity usage in its offices and at its plants. The company has also implemented a system for recycling waste at all its offices.
Concludes Mulder: “Environmental responsibility certainly begins at home, but, even more importantly, we believe we can have a far-reaching impact on the world through products and processes that are designed to help our customers to protect the environment.”
Published on July 14, 2011 in Company News |
Gas Leadership in the Mining Sector: Air Products Provides Pivotal Gas Solutions to Top Mining Companies
Air Products South Africa, with more than 40 years’ experience in gas production and supply in this country, has been making ever deeper inroads into the local mining industry.
Because gas, in many forms, forms a vital component in a variety of mining processes, the company has established ongoing supply relationships with a number of Southern African mining operations, including some of the biggest gold, platinum and iron ore producers in the country.
This is according to Rob Richardson, Air Products’ General Manager: On-site, who asserts that the spectrum of gases applicable to mining is as wide as the variety of applications and mining processes themselves. “Gas affects almost every aspect of mining operations, including human safety, quality control of the metals, productivity and environmental health”,
Richardson continues: “The gases used in mining include an assortment of both industrial and specialty (or high purity) gases. Industrial gases used on a daily basis are oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen, but also include dissolved acetylene, LPG (liquid petroleum gas), carbon dioxide and argon.”
Richardson explains that oxygen, which forms the main part of Air Products’ Bulk Gases supply to the mining industry, has three important functions when it comes to metal extraction: Firstly, because it effects faster reactions, its presence in the leaching, ,roasting or smelting processes both increases yield, and reduces the processing time, thus improving overall productivity. Secondly, oxygen is used to remove impurities (such as sulphur and carbon) in metals; and thirdly, the use of oxygen provides environmental benefits by decreasing the volume of emissions, thereby making them easier to treat or recover.
Nitrogen is also used frequently in mining operations, most commonly to extinguish underground fires, but also in hot metal processes, to control oxidation, as well as to control furnace atmospheres.
Apart from these base gases, Air Products also supplies a variety of specialty blended welding gases to the industry, and recently, the company has had a great deal of success with the use of ozone in the destruction of cyanide, used in the gold leaching process.
Taking special care of its customers’ individual requirements, and focusing on an uninterrupted supply, Air Products prides itself on its market-leading supply modes. Liquid and gaseous product is distributed using a modern fleet of cryogenic tankers and cylinder trucks to provide reliable supplies of gases to customers, including gold, uranium and ferro-chrome mines.
Where high volumes of gas product are required, special on-site plants are built for the continuous supply of gas via pipe-line.
Air Products is particularly strong in the platinum sector, where Air Products supplies the three major platinum producers in South Africa with oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen via pipe-line. The company has in recent years also established a strong presence in the Zambian copper belt, having established five oxygen plants to feed copper and cobalt mines in that region.
Richardson explains that the On-site business model is based on the principle of building/owning/operating a plant on behalf of a customer. “It is important to ensure a high level of reliability when it comes to on-site gas supply”, he says. “We focus strongly on technical excellence when it comes to operations and maintenance, and consult closely with our customers to design dependable backup systems.”
One such system, commonly used at on-site plants, is to store gases in liquid form at extremely low temperatures, and then vaporise the relevant gases if and when needed.
Another system used is an on-line programme called Telalert, which assesses a customer’s requirements for bulk and cylinder gas in real time. Richardson explains: “The system helps us to understand exactly where our mining customers are at, in terms of their gas supply. It alerts us well before the critical stage, so we can plan our supply options timeously.”
Air Products, at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the latest gas products and technologies, is proud to have become the largest supplier in the on-site and pipeline market in South Africa, as well as a leader in the bulk, cylinder, specialty gas and chemicals supply market.
“We are especially proud that so many of the big mining players in this region have come to rely on us for both expert supply solutions and quality gas products to enhance their operations”, he concludes.
Published on June 12, 2011 in Company News |
An Industry Stalwart: Colin West – Manager: Welding and Cutting Gases at Air Products
Colin West, a highly respected welding and gas industry stalwart, expert and long-serving employee of Air Products South Africa, has sadly passed away after a long illness bravely borne.
Colin, who has been described by colleagues as the best welding product specialist that the company has ever had, certainly left his mark on the industry. His passing will also leave a gap for many Air Products customers who grew accustomed to receiving his sound advice and support, based on many years of his experience.
Colin joined Air Products in October 1990 and, armed with a number of international welding certificates, dedicated his career to the development of his specialist knowledge of the different gas compositions and their effect on the welding operation. His metallurgical knowledge, combined with his extensive practical welding experience, placed Colin in a unique position to provide expert and complete solutions to any customer query or problem.
Heavily involved in the training of both sales engineers and distributors, he took pride in imparting his knowledge to anyone who was interested in learning. Colin was passionate about young South Africans having the opportunity to further their careers; and was a strong and vocal supporter of the SAIW and the SAIW Young Welder of the Year Competition.
Equally competent on the workshop floor as in the boardroom, Colin was always both professional and friendly in his dealings with colleagues and customers. Not shy about putting forward his ideas, which at times were innovative and ‘pushed the envelope’, he always kept in mind his customers’ needs and finding the best possible solution for them. He showed a deep understanding and commitment to his customers, who in turn found his advice practical and trustworthy.
Colin, who was well-known in the industry, will be remembered for his direct yet friendly approach. Not one to suffer fools gladly, he shared his expertise in a way that made people sit up and take note.
When he was not solving welding issues, Colin was passionate about golf, talked ‘constantly’ about his sons, and enjoyed winning arguments with colleagues over fish and chips and a beer.
After Colin’s retirement in 1998, he returned to Air Products on a contract basis as Manager of Welding and Cutting Gases, a role he ably and expertly filled until his passing in April 2011. Colin’s passion, friendship and professional contribution will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Published on May 23, 2011 in Air Products News |
A New Look At Corporate Strategy and the Role of Industry Associations
Central to our corporate strategy at Air Products is a very simple philosophy: take the time to understand the market. This refers to both the wider economic context as well as individual market segments. Keeping one’s eyes and ears open and finely tuned to the environment can determine not only a company’s success, but also its very survival.
Gone are the days when a company’s corporate strategy was formulated by CEOs behind closed doors (of a boardroom) where strategic decisions were ‘cast in stone’. That kind of insular, even complacent thinking has become very dangerous in today’s business world. In the past couple of years, many companies have learnt the hard way how important it is to read the market correctly.
Of course, we have learnt that much of what can happen in the broader economic world is unforeseeable; however, while we cannot always accurately predict the future of a certain market, we can at least anticipate changes and be flexible enough to grow and adapt to change when it happens.
All Things To All People
Strategy has not always included a flexible, responsive approach. The gas industry as a whole has to an extent been guilty of rigid thinking in the past. Gas is, and always has been, one of those basic commodities – used in every conceivable industry. We supplied according to demand, and, because of the ubiquitous nature of gas, soon became all things to all people. Gas is an age-old industry, historically dominated in the past by a ‘dinosaur’ approach – slow to change and in a strategic comfort zone.
Some years ago, it became evident to us at Air Products that we needed to refresh our thinking. We realised that the industry had changed, that there were new market segments, and other segments were moving in new directions, that smaller independents started emerging and knocking on the door, and that there were new industry drivers. Suddenly business cycles were much shorter – three years at the most. It was necessary to start examining the way we did things, with a focus not so much on what we had been doing right, but what we had been doing wrong. It became clear that we needed to sharpen our focus: to target markets more precisely, to focus on optimising our business through a new look at different supply modes, gas sources and applications. Thus, we formulated a five year strategy, which is now in it’s third year – and already we are seeing the fruits of this change in approach.
Back to Basics with the ‘Strategy Roadmap’
As part of our ‘rethink’ we went back to basics and revisited the question of what is strategy, and how important the concept of strategic intent is in an industry such as ours.
While strategy is often linked to a corporate vision and mission, it is at the same time simpler and more complicated than that. Strategy is, in simple terms, a company’s roadmap for its journey. As such, it provides a company with direction and focus, both of which are key to any journey, business or otherwise. It answers two of the most essential questions of all: “What do we want?” and “Why do we want it?”
Strategy versus Operations and Tactics
The simplicity of those questions brings a laser focus on the bigger picture; and forms a cohesive vision of a company’s very reason for being. Many South African companies are very strong on the operational side of things, and less so on strategic intent. In fact, they often confuse operation and tactics, with strategy. It is easy to get bogged down with detail and a constant analysis of the ‘here and now’.
The ‘chess game’ of Strategy
It is always useful to illustrate the concept of strategy with the analogy of a game of chess. Here, strategy becomes more than a roadmap or goal. It takes on both a defensive and an offensive position; you consider your next move in relation to your opponent’s position – always keeping your eyes open and anticipating a change of scenario. There is a constant tension between attack and defence, between reacting and striking: strategy in this instance is no longer a simple question, and it is not just about waiting to see what happens. It becomes a dynamic force, filled with intent.
The game of chess also illustrates the difference between strategy and tactics, and how they necessarily go hand-in-hand. While strategy is the ‘battle plan’, tactics refer to individual moves, the ‘operation’ of a business. This is the detailed, more finely tuned side of the business that people tend to get lost in.
End Goal – Keeping it in Mind
South African companies are good at reacting and thus at tactical intent. But we do not always understand the overarching question: “Why?” Without that understanding, we are effectively wasting our time. The key is to never lose sight of the end goal in the wider context. By doing so, a company will keep its focus on its core competencies which in turn will lead to a strong sense of direction and focus in its people.
A Supply Chain Company
Air Products’ core competency has, historically, been our On-site business – servicing the larger user through investing in huge ASU’s (air separation units). This formed the base load of our business, a platform for the development of other modes of supply, such as pipeline gas or smaller liquefiers. Other gas companies grew in different directions, but overlapping was inevitable. With the ASU market having finite capacity, and requiring major capital investment which could only be seen in long cycle terms, Air Products has had to re-examine other segments, as well as other modes of supply. Producing gas has always been our primary function, but our new strategy has forced us to focus on optimising the way we supply and service the end market; and thus we no longer see ourselves as a gas company. We are a supply chain company.
The main drivers of the gas industry have also changed over the years: the use of energy is the single biggest cost for Air Products nowadays, which has significantly impacted on our strategy. For example, it has forced us to reconsider other, and in some cases, older technologies, which have become increasingly (and perhaps unexpectedly) viable, such as cryogenic freezing. Cryogenics represents a much more flexible technology which is less dependent on electric power, and which would considerably reduce a company’s carbon footprint.
Industry Associations – Adding Value to Strategy
Testing different market segments and keeping up to date with technology requires market intelligence, and industry associations, such as SASSDA, can add tremendous value, and indeed feed a company’s strategy. As a forum for an industry’s stakeholders, customers and suppliers, industry associations play a valuable networking role, creating opportunities for gathering nuggets of market information. Participating in such forums enriches one’s understanding of an industry outside of one’s core competency. It gives one a much better sense of what the future may hold, and helps to keep one’s eye on the ‘bigger picture’.
In addition, an industry association which takes a proactive stance, such as SASSDA, can impact on a company’s bottom line from the point of view of helping to identity and generate business opportunities. As such, SASSDA has acted as a business development tool for Air Products, giving us direction in terms of our strategic intent within a particular industry. By helping us test a market, it provides an invaluable industry benchmark on which to base our strategy.
Industry Watchdog
SASSDA, in particular, has taken on an industry watchdog role, championing the ‘local content’ cause, which has a ripple effect on associated industries, including gas. The stance that SASSDA takes on education, training and upliftment, also sets it apart from other industry associations: it is a position which cultivates not only the stainless steel industry, but industry at large.
A valuable aspect of industry associations is that, as a forum for the various role-players in a specific industry, they encourage commonality and not diversion or disagreement. By focusing on common aims, they promote industry standards, consistency and professionalism. In this way, associations such as SASSDA are driven by the industry at large – with all stakeholders working towards a common, mutually beneficial understanding.
Constantly Revisiting Strategy
While a company can, and must, have a five to ten year vision, it needs to constantly revisit its’ strategy so that it is in tune with the wider business context, both local and international, fed through the conduit of industry associations. This strategy should be flexible, measurable, and designed to adapt to today’s shorter and at times volatile demands and business cycles.
Published on May 19, 2011 in Air Products News |
Air Products’ Argon Gas ensures Precision and Quality in all Stainless Steel Applications
Argon, a cryogenic liquid that is chemically inert to all known elements, is ideal for Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. Argon, used in TIG, ensures that there is absolute precision when welding stainless steel, which invariably enhances operational efficiency in all stainless steel applications.
This is according to Colin West, Air Products South Africa Manager of Welding and Cutting Gases.
“Argon is ideal for TIG welding as it shrouds the weld from atmospheric contamination when welding at high temperatures. Argon’s constricted arc is fundamental for high-quality TIG welding as it provides a focused arc. The fine arc ensures high precision welding on all types of metal, especially stainless steel,” says West.
He lists the benefits of Air Products’ argon industrial gas, stating that the product allows for excellent arc ignition at low voltage [15.5 volts], to create an instant stable arc.
“Most importantly, Air Products believes in efficiency and quality, and ensures that gases are used to produce a quality weld on stainless steel products,” he adds.
In fact, when Air Products adds helium or hydrogen to argon for austenitic stainless steels production, speeds have been known to reach up to 30% more over argon. The high thermal conductivity of hydrogen also enhances a cleaning effect, as it is a reducing gas. “This is quite meticulous science,” West points out, adding that it must be noted hydrogen is only used on austenitic stainless steels.
“Helium is the preferred gas enhancer for ferritic stainless steels,” he explains.
He comments that stainless steel is used in many industries, including refineries, power generation, automotive, catering and health care.
“Our customers require a gas that will produce a quality weld for stainless steel applications every time. We have products that meet these requirements in terms of precision and quality.”
Collin West explains that precision and quality is achieved because the company pays careful attention to the composition of gases and differentiating them according to the customer’s specifications and requirements. He explains the different uses for Argon:
“Argon is renowned for its shielding capabilities for TIG welding, but Air Products uses the gas for other processes, including Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding and Metal Active Welding (MAG). But argon’s focused arc column is not user-friendly for MAG welding on its own, as it causes undercutting and poor fusion. However, we add oxygen and carbon dioxide to profile and shape the weld ensuring precision and quality says West.
West adds carbon dioxide is added to the welding process as it is slightly oxidising, providing increased heat in the arc through disassociation. “The available heat increases penetration, adding width to the weld, improving side wall fusion.”
Most importantly, Air Products’ branded Coogar Gas mixtures are blended from carbon dioxide, oxygen and argon. “Certain Coogar mixtures provide a very smooth welding arc for stainless steel applications,” he says.
Coogar gas is used in MAG welding, which forms roughly 70% of the fabrication sector; and is mainly used for high deposition semi-automatic welding processes. It is easily adapted to mechanised robotic welding. “The abilities of MAG welding are vast, as it can be adapted to any application such as stainless steel, the automotive sector and heavy fabrication.”
“Air Products is constantly seeking, testing and providing new ways to apply our wide range of industrial gases in a variety of applications and industries.
Throughout our history we have been instrumental in delivering cost-effective solutions in the supply of gases and services to the South African industry, including that of the stainless steel sector. Furthermore, major corporations in paper manufacturing, polymer, plastics and rubber processing, metal processing, semiconductors and food production rely on our expertise in their fields as well as our world class standards of gas purity and quality,” concludes West.
Published on March 10, 2011 in Air Products News |
A Versatile Gas Comes of Age – The Myriad Industrial Uses of Ozone
Ozone has come of age. This frequently misunderstood natural element is fast proving itself to be an indispensable gas, increasingly making its presence felt in all facets of industry.
While the conventional applications of ozone as a powerful disinfector and oxidant are well documented, industry is starting to open its eyes to a myriad of new possibilities for ozone and ozone technology, all of which point to a healthier and cleaner physical world.
A Closer Look at Ozone
Ozone is produced when oxygen (02) molecules are dissociated by an energy source into oxygen atoms and subsequently collide with an oxygen molecule to form an unstable gas, ozone (03); which is a pale blue gas with a pungent odour. Such is the instability of the ozone structure, that it has a half life of less than 20 minutes before decomposing back into normal oxygen.
Since its discovery in 1840, ozone has been the centre of debate in scientific circles, making the gas difficult to explain, isolate and classify. However, its usefulness was quickly recognised, and ozone was soon adopted as a means of treating water to drinking standards. The first water treatment plant to incorporate ozone was established in 1893 in the Netherlands.
But ozone lost its position at centre stage in the water purification industry during the First World War when the cheap manufacture of chlorine gas lead to a decline in interest in ozone. Chlorine disinfection lasted longer, was easier to transport and cheaper to manufacture. This was despite the fact that the by-products of chlorination were already known to be harmful to both people and the environment.
Now, ozone has re-emerged, demanding fresh attention as a viable, mainstream water and air treatment option.
The reasons for ozone’s coming full circle are varied, and include: improvements in ozone production technologies; the advances in ozone chemistry; the tightening on environmental legislations, and deteriorating water supplies.
A Fresh Look at Ozone
Industry is starting to take a fresh look at ozone in terms of potential applications and possibilities that have not yet been fully explored.
This list of potential applications of ozone technology is growing by the day, and ranges from organic synthesis reactions in the pharmaceutical industry, to the disinfection of chicken’s eggs in the hatchery business.
Going for Gold
One of the technologies coming to the fore, and very much applicable in the South African context, is the destruction through ozone of cyanide in gold mine tailing streams.
Air Products South Africa (Pty Ltd., in partnership with ITT, global specialists in water and wastewater management, have successfully demonstrated a system that will destroy cyanide from tailings levels as high as 120ppm down to less than 5pmm. Ozonation results in a very rapid and complete decomposition of cyanides, cyanates and thiocyanates; ultimately, given enough contact time, to carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This allows the tailings to be sent back underground as backfill without further treatment.
Changing Water Treatment Options
A further application of ozone technology, and one with increasing applicability to the South African market, is ozone treatment of cooling tower water. With the increases expected in the cost of water, as well as the degradation of our water sources, conservation and re-use of water are becoming very important.
By switching from conventional water treatment options in a cooling tower to using just ozone, companies cannot only save water but reduce the cost of treating effluent. Ozone treatment allows for a far higher recycle rate (cycles of concentration) of water within the cooling circuit before any water is blown down (if at all). Ozone is completely effective in the control of bacteria like Legionnaires’ disease. Ozone treatment also eliminates the handling and dosing of a variety of different chemicals to the tower.
Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP)
And then there is Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP), a system which greatly enhances the conventional application of ozone in drinking water. The combination of ozone and hydrogen peroxide forms the hydroxyl radical, an aggressive oxidant which reacts chemically with common taste and odour (T&O) compounds, a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and various other micro contaminants. This makes it ideal for drinking water and water re-use applications. Applications for AOP systems include:
- Control of taste/odour and colour of drinking water
- Destruction of volatile organic compounds in effluents and drinking water
- Disinfection for water reuse
- Removal of microcontaminants, such as endocrine disrupters
- Removal of a host of recalcitrant compounds
Environmentally-Friendly and Useful Ozone
Because ozone oxidizes cell walls, it reacts up to 3,500 times faster than chlorine, rapidly destroying all bacteria, endotoxins, mould and yeast spores, and even viruses. Moreover, micro-organisms cannot build up an immunity to ozone.
The short lifespan of an ozone molecule means that it quickly reverts back to oxygen, leaving behind no chemical residues or harmful by-products.
In an age where environmental concerns top the priority list in both government and industry, ozone is poised to come into its own as an environmentally-friendly and versatile industrial gas.
Published on January 20, 2011 in Company News |
Gas Leadership in the Mining Sector: Air Products Provides Pivotal Gas Solutions to Top Mining Companies
Air Products South Africa, with more than 40 years’ experience in gas production and supply in this country, has been making ever deeper inroads into the local mining industry.
Because gas, in many forms, forms a vital component in a variety of mining processes, the company has established ongoing supply relationships with a number of Southern African mining operations, including some of the biggest gold, platinum and iron ore producers in the country.
This is according to Rob Richardson, Air Products’ General Manager: On-site, who asserts that the spectrum of gases applicable to mining is as wide as the variety of applications and mining processes themselves. “Gas affects almost every aspect of mining operations, including human safety, quality control of the metals, productivity and environmental health”,
Richardson continues: “The gases used in mining include an assortment of both industrial and specialty (or high purity) gases. Industrial gases used on a daily basis are oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen, but also include dissolved acetylene, LPG (liquid petroleum gas), carbon dioxide and argon.”
Richardson explains that oxygen, which forms the main part of Air Products’ Bulk Gases supply to the mining industry, has three important functions when it comes to metal extraction: Firstly, because it effects faster reactions, its presence in the leaching, ,roasting or smelting processes both increases yield, and reduces the processing time, thus improving overall productivity. Secondly, oxygen is used to remove impurities (such as sulphur and carbon) in metals; and thirdly, the use of oxygen provides environmental benefits by decreasing the volume of emissions, thereby making them easier to treat or recover.
Nitrogen is also used frequently in mining operations, most commonly to extinguish underground fires, but also in hot metal processes, to control oxidation, as well as to control furnace atmospheres.
Apart from these base gases, Air Products also supplies a variety of specialty blended welding gases to the industry, and recently, the company has had a great deal of success with the use of ozone in the destruction of cyanide, used in the gold leaching process.
Taking special care of its customers’ individual requirements, and focusing on an uninterrupted supply, Air Products prides itself on its market-leading supply modes. Liquid and gaseous product is distributed using a modern fleet of cryogenic tankers and cylinder trucks to provide reliable supplies of gases to customers, including gold, uranium and ferro-chrome mines.
Where high volumes of gas product are required, special on-site plants are built for the continuous supply of gas via pipe-line.
Air Products is particularly strong in the platinum sector, where Air Products supplies the three major platinum producers in South Africa with oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen via pipe-line. The company has in recent years also established a strong presence in the Zambian copper belt, having established five oxygen plants to feed copper and cobalt mines in that region.
Richardson explains that the On-site business model is based on the principle of building/owning/operating a plant on behalf of a customer. “It is important to ensure a high level of reliability when it comes to on-site gas supply”, he says. “We focus strongly on technical excellence when it comes to operations and maintenance, and consult closely with our customers to design dependable backup systems.”
One such system, commonly used at on-site plants, is to store gases in liquid form at extremely low temperatures, and then vaporise the relevant gases if and when needed.
Another system used is an on-line programme called Telalert, which assesses a customer’s requirements for bulk and cylinder gas in real time. Richardson explains: “The system helps us to understand exactly where our mining customers are at, in terms of their gas supply. It alerts us well before the critical stage, so we can plan our supply options timeously.”
Air Products, at the forefront of innovation when it comes to the latest gas products and technologies, is proud to have become the largest supplier in the on-site and pipeline market in South Africa, as well as a leader in the bulk, cylinder, specialty gas and chemicals supply market.
“We are especially proud that so many of the big mining players in this region have come to rely on us for both expert supply solutions and quality gas products to enhance their operations”, he concludes.
Published on January 12, 2011 in Company News |