F. Lomax, R. Todd, G. Carr, H2Gen Innovations, Inc., Alexandria, VA
Ongoing increases in delivered atmosphere gas prices have driven many furnace operators to reduce atmosphere usage by reducing flowrates or purity. These steps carry hidden costs in impaired product quality and increased cycle time. H2Gen has developed the MARSTM brand atmosphere recycling plants to recover between 70% and 90% of protective atmosphere gas as a cleaned, purified product which can be directly substituted for purchased atmosphere gas. MARSTM systems are especially well-suited to the recovery of hydrogen, argon and helium streams. Further, the MARSTM plants are able to work with existing atmosphere gas generators to yield a highly-purified product gas. This can facilitate the upgrading of a facility currently employing ammonia dissociators or endo gas generators to pure hydrogen operation, with the attendant benefits in cycle times and product quality. Because the atmosphere gas recycled by MARSTM is less than 1/10th the cost of delivered gas, furnace operators can choose to increase atmosphere flowrates while still achieving reductions in total atmosphere costs. We present a detailed overview of the MARSTM technology, as well as case studies of customer installations.
Summary: Advanced in gas purification technology now make recycle of protective atmosphere gas feasible and cost effective. The MARSTM atmosphere recycling technology as well as detailed case study data from customer applications are reviewed.
