Messer, a privately owned industrial gases company, has commissioned a new air separation plant (LTA) in Vratimov, Czech Republic. This will replace the existing LTA of MG Odra Gas. MG Odra Gas is a joint venture between Messer and Liberty Ostrava, 70 percent of whose shares are held by Messer.
"Due to the better specific energy consumption of the new plant, we are now producing industrial gases in a more environmentally friendly and economical way. At the same time, this investment will enable us to increase our liquefied gas production by a factor of around four. This increases the security of supply for our bulk customers," explains Virginia Esly, Chief Operating Officer, and member of the Management Board of Messer SE & Co. KGaA.
Transport and optimization
The Liberty Ostrava steelworks is one of the largest customers for the gases. The customers, which include the steel producer and other major industrial companies in the region, receive gaseous nitrogen, oxygen, and argon via a pipeline. The remaining product volumes are filled in gas cylinders and in liquid form in tank trucks.
"The cylinder and bulk gases are marketed through the Czech sister company Messer Technogas," says René Hrnčárek, managing director at MG Odra Gas.
Last year, MG Odra Gas celebrated its 30th anniversary on the Czech market. Messer and Nová Huť a.s., Ostrava, still the largest steel producer and smelter operator in the Czech Republic, founded joint venture was in May 1992.
Industrial gases used universally
Industrial gases are regarded as pioneers of optimization. They are as important in industrial production as electricity and water and are used in almost all industries, including steel, electronics, food and beverages, healthcare, environmental protection, and welding and cutting. Many processes can be more efficient, safer, environmentally friendly and economical thanks to their specific properties and the way they are used.
