A long-term test of high-efficiency and ultra-low-emission burner technology from WS Wärmeprozesstechnik at Waelzholz demonstrated that hydrogen can be used as a fuel gas to heat silicon strip lines.
Energy-efficient and low-emission heating of silicon strip lines using hydrogen as a fuel was the focus of an extensive test C.D. Wälzholz GmbH & Co. KG successfully completed together with WS Wärmeprozesstechnik in 2022.
As early as summer 2021, WS delivered several patented FLOX® burners for the installation in an existing silicon strip line. This line uses SiSiC radiant tubes to heat the furnace to a temperature of approximately 1922°F. After commissioning, the WS burners successfully operated with 100% hydrogen for one year.
The long-term test showed that a switch to hydrogen as a fuel is very possible for the furnace under investigation. Commenting on the possibility of such a switch, Mr. Peter Höfinghoff, expert for thermal process engineering in the technical office at Waelzholz, concluded: “Even after a year of operation, the burners are running very well and without faults. We were able to sufficiently demonstrate that by using WS burners, a conversion to hydrogen is technically feasible without any problems.”
With the findings from the test operation, the company is laying a foundation stone for the future hydrogen strategy at its headquarters in Hagen.
