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.
Energy efficiency and environmental protection are the focus of the steel industry: WS delivers major order - retrofitting industrial burners instead of building new plants. The most economical way to comply with emission limits and maximum efficiency.
The targets set for CO2 savings and the reduction of NOx emissions at a well-known automobile manufacturer were achieved by using WS burners with ceramic finned recuperators in gas-fired pusher-type furnaces.
WS has been known worldwide for decades as the undisputed technology and market leader in the field of industrial burner technology for the thermoprocessing industry. For next-generation products, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing are of course also used.
The WS Group was blessed with beautiful weather on April 30, 2025 when almost 500 guests accepted the invitation to "Dance into May" to celebrate the inauguration of two newly built halls in Renningen. With a large number of employees, customers, suppliers and political guests, the day was an entertaining experience that included in-depth technical discussions as well as joint networking.
Federal Cross of Merit for WS founder Joachim A. Wünning: As part of a festive ceremony, Joachim A. Wünning was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit on March 28, 2025. Awarded by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and presented by Klaus Brenner, the award honors Wünning's life's work.
New CNC lathe at WS - high-end solution for precision and quality in in-house production and new development. The lathe from SPINNER Werkeugmaschinenfabrik GmbH will complement the extensive machine park at WS in the future.
