Industrial gas production in Hungary.
The air around us is not only the basis of life but also an essential “raw material” for many industries. Industrial and medical gases play a key role in hospitals, the food industry, manufacturing, and the high-tech sector as well. But how are these important materials extracted, and what technology makes this possible? One of the key players in domestic gas production provided insight into this world.
Value from the air: at minus 250 degrees
Few people know that a significant proportion of industrial and medical gases are extracted directly from the air. Ákos Hegedüs, CEO of Linde Gáz Magyarország Zrt., explained that the company’s air separation technology makes it possible to separate the gases that make up the air – nitrogen, oxygen, argon, as well as the rarer noble gases – individually.
During the process, the air is cooled to a so-called cryogenic temperature, approximately minus 250–260 degrees Celsius, turning it into a liquid state. The gases are separated according to their boiling points: first nitrogen, then oxygen, argon, and finally the rarer noble gases – such as xenon, krypton, and neon. The gases extracted in this way are stored in special tanks, bottled, or transported to users in liquid form by tanker trucks. These materials are present in almost every industry.
Did you know? The weight of oxygen cylinders is particularly important for paramedics. Cylinders made of aluminum are much lighter than steel versions, placing less strain on workers and providing greater mobility in emergency situations.
Anesthetic gas: from healthcare to high-tech
Répcelak and its surroundings are not only Hungary’s most significant natural source of carbon dioxide but also one of the most important deposits in the region. Carbon dioxide extracted and processed from the local fields is essential in the production of carbonated soft drinks, welding, and medical applications as well.
Répcelak is also home to Central Europe’s largest nitrous oxide (anesthetic gas) production plant, which supplies both domestic and international markets. These plants not only meet domestic demand but also export to growing markets such as Saudi Arabia or Turkey, where local production capacity is limited, while demand – particularly from the electronics industry – is continuously increasing.
Did you know? Carbon dioxide is also used in greenhouse crop production. By stimulating photosynthesis, it increases crop yields, which is why some horticultural businesses enrich the air in greenhouses with it to achieve faster and more controlled growth.
The use of nitrous oxide for anesthesia and pain relief in healthcare is almost common knowledge, but it plays an equally key role in the high-tech industry: it is essential, for example, in the production of chips with microscopic precision and displays.
Modern technology also monitors the tanks
The CEO also explained in the latest episode of the Ipar Hangjai podcast that although industrial gases account for only a small proportion of companies’ production costs, they are essential in numerous industrial processes. For this reason, their delivery requires precise logistics planning, in which digital solutions and automation are playing an increasingly important role.
Linde uses advanced telemetry systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled algorithms to optimize logistics. AI continuously analyzes consumption patterns, forecasts demand, and selects optimal delivery routes – in order to reduce costs and environmental impact – while ensuring uninterrupted supply, for example, to hospitals and factories. Hospitals in Austria and Germany already use digital cylinders that also enable the automatic tracking and management of medical oxygen supplies.
This modern infrastructure integrates automation solutions that allow operational processes to be controlled remotely as well. For example, Siemens control and automation systems operate in Linde’s plants, precisely controlling compressors and cooling systems, thereby ensuring high-quality and energy-efficient operation.
Mini gas plants for major industrial players
One of the most interesting elements of Linde’s operations is on-site gas production, which is particularly beneficial for large industrial gas consumers – such as domestic battery manufacturers. These plants, established locally in the immediate vicinity of the factories, are fully tailored to the needs of the given company, enabling the direct production of oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen as part of the manufacturing processes. In these cases, Linde not only installs and operates the equipment but also provides continuous remote monitoring and optimization.
Sustainability in gas production
The production of industrial and medical gases is an energy-intensive process, which is why Linde places particular emphasis on improving energy efficiency. These efforts are in line with industry trends such as the integration of renewable energy and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions – in accordance with the EU Green Deal and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Solar parks are being installed at the gas company’s Hungarian sites to cover part of production with renewable energy, while energy consumption is continuously optimized. In order to reduce road transportation, railway tank cars have been purchased, and testing of electric trucks has also begun.
The full episode can be listened to on the Ipar Hangjai podcast channel at the following links: