Gas manufacturer and supplier Air Products will be focusing on expanding its CryoEase ser-vice offering within gas consumer markets this year, says Air Products CryoEase business manager Gary Lombard.

The CryoEase service has been specifically designed with the customer in mind. It provides a cost-effective, reliable and convenient alternative to traditional gas storage systems, using the Maxitank, which bridges the gap between traditional consumption patterns and cylinder deliveries. It is particularly useful when cylinder supply is rendered impractical and unsafe.

Lombard says Air Products introduced the CryoEase service to maximise delivery efficiencies and asset use, and to provide a complete gas management solution to customers in the various markets it serves.

Each Maxitank is linked to a telemetry system, which provides Air Products with up-to-the-minute tank levels. The tank stores high-purity, liquefied gas and is often selected to replace cylinders or bulk tanks and is suitable for gas use of between 15 m3/h and 100 m3/h for a more efficient operation.

“There were a few technical challenges in guaranteeing security of gas supply for industry through the Maxi-tank,” says Lombard.

Maxitanks are filled by an Air Products-introduced Orca delivery vehicle. Standard road tankers are not equipped to fill both high- and low-pressure bulk systems and Maxitanks. Each Orca delivery vehicle is dedicated to one type of gas and contamination is therefore eliminated.

Meanwhile, Lombard says there is a major skills shortage within the gas industry. The company supports selected students during their studies through on-the-job training. A small percentage of the students are then employed by the company on a permanent basis.

The company also works closely with nonprofit tech-nical organisation the South-ern African Institute of Welding and stainless steel industry body the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Devel-opment Association to provide exposure for students.

Further, Lombard says the company has seen significant growth in demand for gas, so there is a positive outlook for the gas sector. He says the company is in a position to cater for further growth and to meet the increasing demand for gas.

To subscribe to Engineering News's print magazine email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or buy now.