- Messer and BLRT Grupp invested €5 million in a new oxygen plant in Järvakandi, Estonia.
- The plant produces 2,650 cubic meters of oxygen per hour.
- Owens-Illinois received liquid oxygen during the plant's construction phase.
- Oxy-fuel technology reduces CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 70%.
Investment and Location
Messer and BLRT Grupp, through their joint venture Elme Messer Gaas, have invested approximately €5 million in a new oxygen production plant located in Järvakandi, Estonia. The facility is situated on the site of Owens-Illinois, Inc., a leading manufacturer of container glass.
Production Capacity
The new plant has a production capacity of 2,650 cubic meters of oxygen per hour, fully meeting the needs of Owens-Illinois' new glass trough. During the construction phase, Owens-Illinois was supplied with liquid oxygen to ensure continuous operation, which began in December 2014.
Technological Advancements
The plant utilizes state-of-the-art oxy-fuel technology, where oxygen is fed in gaseous form through a pipeline directly to the burners of the glass trough. This technology mixes oxygen and fuel in a specific ratio, reducing natural gas consumption and emissions of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
Sustainability Impact
Oxy-fuel technology significantly lowers flue gas volume by 70 to 80 percent and reduces energy consumption by eliminating the need to heat inert nitrogen. This results in a substantial reduction of CO2 emissions and prevents the formation of nitrogen oxides, contributing to sustainability goals.
Future Implications
Oxy-fuel technology is promoted globally as the "best available technology" (BAT) for the glass industry. It is expected to influence future investments and the construction of new plants, driving further advancements in energy efficiency and emission reductions.
