Removing CFCs from the air: state-of-the-art technology
Customers apply the DuoCondex process to treat waste gases or to recover solvents from waste gases. The Slovakian company Elektro Recycling is now the first user to deploy this technology to purify the gases emitted by its refrigerator recycling plant. on air spoke to Plant Director Václav Trubač about his firm’s cooperation with Messer.
on air: You are the first customer in Slovakia to apply Messer’s waste gas treatment process. Are you collaborating on any other joint projects?
Václav Trubač: To date we have been recycling some 75,000 fridges a year and the numbers are increasing steadily. So, to meet this demand, we have been cooperating with a team of Messer specialists to examine the feasibility of doubling the plant’s operating time from its original 8 to 16 hours, and even switching to continuous operation. Currently, the Elektro Recycling management team is considering expanding operating times in individual situations to boost processing capacity if required.
on air: Why did you decide to collaborate with Messer?
Václav Trubač: I was already familiar with Messer from my previous employer – where our experience had been very positive. There we applied nitrogen in bio-technological production, particularly for isolating penicillin. At Elektro Recycling we were convinced by the DuoCondex’s ability to efficiently remove chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from the waste gas emitted by the refrigerator crushing plant. We purchase liquid nitrogen and gaseous oxygen.
on air: Do you require much expertise on industrial gases to deploy these gases?
Václav Trubač: Taking delivery of liquid nitrogen requires only minimal supervision on our part. The automatic telemetry monitoring system of the 30 cm3 container ensures that Messer replenishes our supply of nitrogen as soon as levels in the container fall below a certain limit. We use the oxygen to dispose of mercury-containing lamps – at which we are specialists. For us the gases are an indispensable means to an end. Their application is as routine as using water or electricity and does not require us to have any special expertise.
on air: How would you describe the cooperation between your company and Messer and its staff?
Václav Trubač: The input and technical advice from Messer’s staff have been of the highest quality and they have always responded promptly to any inquiries and requests. Not only are any troubles remedied in the shortest possible time, but all the necessary measures for instituting improvements are also promptly implemented. Our experience demonstrates that cooperation also encompasses technical developments and modifications and does not end with the delivery of the product.
on air: Could you envisage expanding your cooperation with Messer?
Václav Trubač: Yes, certainly. Currently Elektro Recycling is reviewing plans to build a new facility for recycling waste products generated in the disposal of electronic equipment and cooling appliances. Should the new plant require the application of technical gases, then we will of course approach Messer, because – as already mentioned – cooperation with them to date has been professional and of a high standard.
