Air Products Signs Contract with Yongxin Glassware in China

Air Products (NYSE: APD), a leader in oxy-fuel combustion technology and an integrated solutions supplier to the global glass industry, recently signed a contract to supply its oxy-fuel solution to Kunshan Yongxin Glassware (Yongxin), a leader in heat resistant glassmaking for microwave ovens and other home appliances in China, to improve productivity and reduce emissions.    

The integrated oxy-fuel solution includes the supply of Cleanfire® HRi oxy-fuel burners, automatic control skid for burners, and PRISM® vacuum swing absorption (VSA) oxygen generator, which will supply reliable and economical oxygen. Air Products also consulted on furnace design, and process and technique optimization.

"Air Products is honored to have been Yongxin's long-term supplier from its first trial on oxy-boosting in 2007 through today's full conversion to oxy-fuel combustion," said Richard Huang, Air Products' Asia industry manager for Glass. "This is another success story on how our innovative solutions and glass experts can help China's glassmakers address increasingly stringent environmental regulations while improving productivity, efficiency and quality."

An innovative combustion technology, Air Products' integrated oxy-fuel solution brings glass manufacturers benefits such as about an 80 percent reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions, over 25 percent increase in productivity, lower capital costs, 25-60 percent energy savings, and improvements in efficiency and glass quality.

With over 50 years of experience in oxy-fuel technology, Air Products offers an integrated oxy-fuel solution, from gases supply to oxy-fuel burners and technology, customized control systems, technical and design expertise, commissioning service, safety and site training, maintenance contracts and project management. Air Products has installed more than 1,500 Cleanfire burners around the world.

The company previously announced contracts for its oxy-fuel integrated solution with a fiberglass manufacturer in China and a container and tableware glass manufacturer in Korea. 

Borosilicate glass is one of China's focuses for development in its ready-to-release Outline of the 12th Five Year Plan for daily-use glass industry. It is widely used in laboratory glassware and cookware because of its high strength and heat resistance. As such specialty glass melts at a higher temperature, the manufacturing process consumes relatively more energy and fuel.

Air Products (NYSE:APD) provides atmospheric, process and specialty gases; performance materials; equipment; and technology. For over 70 years, the company has enabled customers to become more productive, energy efficient and sustainable. More than 18,000 employees in over 40 countries supply innovative solutions to the energy, environment and emerging markets. These include semiconductor materials, refinery hydrogen, coal gasification, natural gas liquefaction, and advanced coatings and adhesives. In fiscal 2011, Air Products had sales of $10.1 billion.