ANFFECC finalizes the details to begin testing with hydrogen in ceramic frit furnaces.
The National Association of Manufacturers of Ceramic Frits, Glazes and Colors , ANFFECC, has announced with satisfaction the fulfillment of a new milestone within the H2frit pilot project, “Decarbonization of the ceramic frits sector through the use of hydrogen in the fusion process to the manufacture of ceramic frits”.
The three-year project was approved in October last year by the Department of Industry of the Generalitat Valenciana and aims to study the technical feasibility of replacing natural gas with hydrogen as fuel in the fusion of ceramic frits, with the in order to contribute to the decarbonization of the sector.
The first months of the project have been dedicated to carrying out the engineering plans for the technological adaptation of the production process to the use of hydrogen, and to the design of the skids (connection and control panels), the burner and the control panel. In addition, the testing methodology has been defined and the frits and refractory materials to be analyzed have been selected.
Subsequently, and after intense coordination work by ANFFECC , both technical and organizational, last June the hydrogen installation was successfully installed in the Esmalglass frits plant, an associated company where the carry out research work.
In addition to the two bays for positioning the hydrogen storage and supply platforms located in the exterior area, the connection and control panels have also been arranged, with their corresponding connection pipes between equipment and supply with their pressure accessories (valves, regulators… ) designed by Carburos Metálicos (Air Products Group).
The tests will be carried out in a pilot furnace that operates by oxycombustion , and will be specifically used for research into the technological adaptation necessary to the use of hydrogen . The new specific burners have also been located in said oven to accommodate its introduction.
After carrying out all these hydrogen supply siting tasks, the corresponding procedures have been carried out to begin the pre-commissioning of the installation. In addition, technical advice has been provided regarding the use and supply of hydrogen by bp.
Likewise, at the ITC-AICE tests have been carried out in a controlled atmosphere oven, to investigate its influence on the fusion of frits with mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen.
Manuel Breva, Secretary General of ANFFECC:
at the moment, the progress of the project is meeting the milestones contemplated in it. The partners are very involved and the planned deadlines have been met.
Irene Lores, Director of Hydrogen Business Development in Spain at bp , states:
With projects like this, we continue to support research and development in the frits and glazes industry to facilitate the future use of renewable hydrogen in the region. as a decarbonization alternative in the Valencian Community.
From Esmalglass, Manuel Sanz, General Director of Esmalglass points out: “We are very proud to host this first pilot test in our facilities and actively contribute to the decarbonization of the sector in compliance with the objectives set by the European Union. Projects like this are essential to move towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly industry.”
Christophe Buisine, General Director of Metallic Carbides and Vice President of Air Products in Southern Europe and the Maghreb,highlighted :
As experts in the entire value chain of hydrogen as an energy vector, we are committed to hydrogen applied to frits and glazes industry to create a cleaner future within the energy transition process.
As for the start of the first operating tests of the hydrogen furnace, these are scheduled for next September. As explained
Manuel Breva , “during the tests, different percentages of hydrogen will be introduced with the aim of determining the technical adjustments to be made and their feasibility so that the frits can be produced with the highest percentage of hydrogen possible, and thus minimize emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere.”
However, the association indicates: “this project has started with the study of hydrogen in our processes, but there are other alternatives that can help decarbonize the sector and that will have to be studied.”
ANFFECC has been a pioneer in promoting, as an association, a project of these characteristics, whose goal is the transfer of knowledge to the entire sector, as was revealed at the last I National Hydrogen Congress in Huelva and in numerous related forums. to hydrogen as an energy source.
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ANFFECC finalizes the details to begin testing with hydrogen in ceramic frit furnaces. source
