In the service of the environment

High-tech solutions and environmental protection are closely connected at Ticona. This applies both to the production and further development of polymers and their use in applications that help conserve resources and the environment.

In the production of Hostaform® at Kelsterbach, for example, energy consumption has been continually reduced. At the same time, low-emission POM grades (Hostaform XAP) have been developed for vehicle interiors and halogen-free, flame-retardant (XFR) grades of Celanex® PBT and Riteflex® TPC-ET for electrical & electronic applications. A new recycling concept has been successfully introduced for Celstran® long-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (LFT), which allows production scrap to be recycled without loss of quality.

Clean air thanks to Fortron PPS

The advantages offered by high-performance polymers in terms of environmental protection are also demonstrated by Fortron® PPS in many different applications. For example, polyphenylene sulfide-based fiber composites for aircraft components help cut CO2 emissions through their light weight. In the form of nonwovens for gas and liquid filtration, PPS also helps prevent emissions harmful to health and the environment. An object lesson here is provided by the flue gas purification unit in the waste-fueled combined heat and power station at Leverkusen, in which some 2200 filter hoses made from PPS staple fibers have been performing successfully for many years. A needlefelt filter is used for dust separation. It is cleaned at regular intervals by the jet pulse system, which operates like a “pneumatic carpet beater”. Thanks to its good resistance to gases, acids and dusts, even at high temperatures, and its excellent chemical, hydrolytic and heat resistance (up to 200°C), PPS is highly suitable for this application. In addition, Fortron is inherently flame retardant and the fibers can be provided with an easyclean PTFE surface finish to prevent possible adhesion of dusts to the filter surface. The very good filtration efficiency and long service life of the material were recently confirmed in a routine laboratory test on a filter hose that had been in service for over ten years under extreme conditions.

Far-sighted action pays off

The example of Leverkusen also shows that timely investment in environmental measures not only helps meet national and international legislative requirements on emission reduction but also cuts operating costs. Long-lasting materials that stand up to the physical and chemical demands of the filtration process extend filter service life, minimize breakdown risk and reduce maintenance and repair time.