Oxygen, nitrogen, argon, acetylene and other noble gases
These gases are produced from the separation of air. The non-polluting cryogenic method for producing these gases was thought up more than 100 years ago by Carl von Linde. Once the interference of water vapour, particles and carbon dioxide is eliminated, the air is compressed and refrigerated at very low temperatures. It is liquefied and separated by distillation into oxygen, nitrogen, argon and other noble gases.
Other physical methods are also used to separate and purify the components of air:
- Separation: using membranes.
- Absorption: various components of air are retained by particular materials, while the rest flow on, without obstruction.
Acetylene
Acetylene is produced from calcium carbide in many locations near to our clients. It is also obtained as a by-product of the petrochemical industry; contributing to the protection of the environment.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen can be obtained through reforming, from water vapour and natural gas or other light hydrocarbons. Gases rich in hydrogen, from which hydrogen can be obtained, are also generated in refineries and in the electrolysis of chlorine chemicals. All these procedures are used, for example, in the chemical triangle of Leuna-Buna-Bitterfeld (eastern Germany) and in the refinery at Milazzo, in Sicily.
Liquid hydrogen
Liquid hydrogen is made in our plant at Ingolstadt; the only existing liquid hydrogen plant in Germany. Hydrogen liquefies at -253ºC and is transported in liquid state in large containers, this way reducing transport costs.
Mixtures of gases
Gas mixtures are mixed in situ from pure gases or supplied previously mixed in tanks. Some examples are the mixtures: Corgon®, Varigon®, Cronigon®, widely used in welding processes, or Biogon®, for the food industry.
Helium
The most cost effective way to obtain it is from natural gas. Thanks to some long-term contracts we have ensured access to sources in the USA, Europe and North Africa.
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide can be obtained from natural underground deposits. In Répcelak (Hungary), the largest natural source of carbon dioxide in Europe, Linde obtains annually more than 100,000T of CO2. In addition, Linde uses the carbon dioxide obtained as a by-product of the chemical industry and purifies it to obtain the quality required in the food industry.