Messer Opens Air Gas Plant at Aurubis Site

New Air Separation Plant

Messer and Aurubis AG have commissioned a new air separation unit at Aurubis' recycling site in Luenen, Germany. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to extract air gases, producing up to 210 tons of oxygen and 16 tons of nitrogen per day.

Applications in Metallurgical Processes

The air gases produced are integral to Aurubis' metallurgical processes. Oxygen is utilized in various stages of copper production, including the smelting furnace, converter, mixed tin furnace, anode furnace, and auxiliary furnaces. Nitrogen is employed throughout the process chain for purging and in filtration systems.

Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability

The new plant is a critical component for the future viability of Aurubis' Luenen site. It enhances the security of supply, increases process efficiency, and contributes to climate protection. Luenen is a key part of Aurubis' international smelting network, supplying strategically important metals from recycled materials.

Role of Industrial Gases

Industrial gases like nitrogen, oxygen, and argon are essential to industrial production, comparable to electricity and water. They are used across various industries, including metallurgy, chemicals, medicine, food production, electronics, and semiconductors, where they are crucial for precise manufacturing processes.