African Fusion June 2015

Welding and cutting

CryoEase: an innovation for efficiency and peace of mind

A ir Products South Africa, leaders in the industrial gas and chemicals market, prides itself on finding innova- tive modes of supply that match cus- tomers’ demands and usage. Focusing on ways to enhance security of supply, and therefore customer service levels, the company introduced CryoEase, an effective and convenient alternative to cylinders. Thismode of supply, exclusive to Air Products, has particular relevance for the local welding industry, which relies on a continuous and reliable supply of gases for uninterrupted operations. CryoEase is a solution where gas is sup- pliedon-site through the use of specially designed cryogenic storage tanks, and is ideal for customers using ten cylinders or more on a monthly basis. Gary Lombard, CryoEase business manager at Air Products South Africa, explains: “CryoEase is amethodof liquid gas delivery that suits a manufacturing, fabrication or welding facility where gas requirements have outstripped cylinder volume capability, and where the premises are large enough to house a reasonably large storage tank. One of the compelling advantages of CryoEase is that Air Productsmanages the process end-to-end. Thismeans that wemonitor levels and replenish supplies without the customer having to be involved in the ordering process.” Air Products’ telemetry systemalerts the company well before customer lev- els run critically low, therefore eliminat- ing the risk of unplanned downtime due to an interruption in supply, which could be potentially disastrous in the middle of a critical welding process. CyroEase is also a cost-effective alternative for customers who require gases in liquid form for its cryogenic properties, where the product can be drawn directly from the tank. For ap- plications where product is required as gas, it may automatically be converted from liquid into gas on demand. “For our welding customers whose needs vary, month by month, or whose demand has suddenly changed or grown, CryoEase presents a flexible solution for effectively matching de- mand. And, because it eliminates the need for the company to manage its cylinder turnover, do cylinder stock rec- onciliations and deal with product loss, CryoEase optimises operating efficien-

cies,” says Lombard, adding that “there are other spin-offs, such as improved worksite safety and a guarantee of gas quality and purity.” Thecost-savingsofferedbyCryoEase also relate to the need for fewer deliver- ies, a reduction in cylinder loss or re- sidual product loss, and a decrease in time-consuming cylinder management processes and related labour costs. “Air Products’ specially designed fleet of trucks come to our customers’ premises and replenish stocks on-site, quickly and efficiently. There is a choice of flexible tank storage options, which depend on volumes required and, be- cause the trucks are smaller than our

Gary Lombard, CryoEase business manager at Air Products South Africa.

Air Products’ CryoEase is a solution where gas is supplied on-site through the use of specially designed cryogenic storage tanks.

standard road tankers, they allow for easier access to our customers’ sites,” says Lombard. CryoEase forms part of Air Products’ philosophy of offering a ‘total gas man- agement’ solution which is designed with its customers’ individual require- ments in mind. “When it comes to long-term cus- tomer relationships, one way in which we are able to offer optimum levels of service is to ensure individually tailored security of supply through our CryoEase solution. It means our customers need never worry about gas availability, or even having to lift the phone. This frees them up to concentrate on their own core business.” “Continuous flowmeans continuous productivity, and ultimately peace of mind for theuser through this innovative solution,” Lombard concludes. www.airproductsafrica.co.za

Air Products South Africa A ir Products South Africa (Pty) Limited manufactures, supplies and distributes a diverse portfolio of atmospheric gases, specialty gases, performance materials, equipment and services to the Southern African region. The company serves customers across a wide range of industries: food and bever- age, mining and petrochemicals, primary metal and steel manufacturers; and services welding, cutting and laboratory applications across all sectors. Founded in 1969, Air Products South Africahas built a reputation for its innovative culture, operational excellence and commit- ment to safety, quality and the environment. The company aims to continue its growth andmarket leadershipposition in the South- ern African region.

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June 2015

AFRICAN FUSION