Energy-efficient and low-emission heating of silicon strip lines using hydrogen as a fuel was the focus of an extensive test C.D. Wälzholz GmbH & Co. KG successfully completed together with WS Wärmeprozesstechnik in 2022.
As early as summer 2021, WS delivered several patented FLOX® burners for the installation in an existing silicon strip line. This line uses SiSiC radiant tubes to heat the furnace to a temperature of approx. 1,050 °C. After commissioning, the WS burners were successfully operated with 100% hydrogen for one year. The knowledge gained in this process is being directly incorporated into the further development of energy-efficient and extremely low-emission industrial burners by WS.
The long-term test showed that a switch to hydrogen as a fuel is very well possible for the furnace under investigation. Mr. Peter Höfinghoff, expert for thermal process engineering in the technical office at Waelzholz, happily concluded: "Even after a year of operation, the burners are running very well and without faults. We were able to sufficiently demonstrate that by using WS burners, a conversion to hydrogen is technically feasible without any problems."
Energy efficiency and sustainability of all products and processes are at the heart of the sustainability strategy at C.D. Wälzholz GmbH & Co. KG. With the findings from the test operation, the company is laying an important foundation stone for the future hydrogen strategy at its headquarters in Hagen. After using the patented products from WS Wärmeprozesstechnik over a long time already, Waelzholz and WS can look back on decades of positive experience in their cooperation.
Just in time for the start of the year, the WS Service department is delighted to have taken over and used the new WS Service Center. After extensive conversion work in the newly acquired building, nothing now stands in the way of its use as the new control center for our service department.
There was a lot to celebrate at the WS Summer Party 2024. Around 250 guests spent a thoroughly successful day in Renningen in the best weather and found out about the many new developments in the WS Group. Good food and a cold drink or two ensured a great atmosphere and fond memories.
Several high-ranking delegations from China visited WS in Renningen to find out about the best industrial burner technology available. The focus of the visit was on the low-emission and efficient heating of electric conveyor belt systems. Due to the increasing production of electric vehicles, this market segment is currently experiencing an upswing, particularly in Asia.
Fast for the few or slow for everyone? WS is pursuing its own concept when it comes to expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. In order to achieve a low-cost yet effective charging system on the factory premises, WS consistently relies on a low charging capacity.
With the help of a new electrolyser and surplus electricity from its own PV systems with a capacity of over 400 kWp, WS will supply the laboratories in Renningen with green hydrogen in future. Following the installation of the electrolyser at the end of 2023, the storage and pipeline infrastructure is now also fully operational.
Rexnord Kette GmbH and WS have successfully modernized a belt furnace, reducing the furnace's CO2 emissions by 35%. In addition to new burners with maximum energy efficiency, the optimization of the operating mode also contributes to the CO2 reduction.
