LANXESS Converts Krefeld Site to Continuous Hydrogen Fuel

LANXESS Converts Krefeld Site to Continuous Hydrogen Fuel

LANXESS has converted the spray dryer at its Krefeld-Uerdingen production site in Germany from natural gas to continuous hydrogen fuel operation, reducing site emissions by approximately 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The spray dryer is used to dry iron oxide pigments and is among the first large-scale industrial drying systems in Germany to transition to hydrogen fuel for continuous commercial operation. The project demonstrates the application of hydrogen combustion technology within an operating industrial production facility rather than only within a pilot environment.

Hydrogen Supply Supports Continuous Industrial Operation

The hydrogen used by LANXESS is supplied directly by neighboring materials manufacturer Covestro, which generates hydrogen as an industrial byproduct during chlorine electrolysis. The gas is transferred from Covestro to the LANXESS production site through an integrated pipeline, providing a direct fuel supply for the converted spray dryer. This arrangement allows hydrogen generated as an industrial byproduct to be used in an ongoing manufacturing process while replacing natural gas as the dryer's fuel source.

Hydrogen Burner Integration Required New Equipment

LANXESS installed the dedicated hydrogen burner at the end of 2025 and progressively brought the unit online. The burner was engineered to operate entirely on hydrogen fuel, requiring several technical modifications to integrate the new fuel source into the existing drying system. The conversion included dedicated hydrogen supply piping, customized burner hardware, revised measurement and control instrumentation, and specialized safety systems. These changes enabled the spray dryer to transition from natural gas operation to continuous hydrogen fuel operation within the existing industrial production environment.

Hydrogen Conversion Targets Industrial Emissions Reduction

The Krefeld-Uerdingen conversion is intended to demonstrate how hydrogen can be incorporated into large-scale industrial processes that traditionally depend on natural gas. LANXESS estimates that replacing the natural gas burner with the hydrogen system will reduce site emissions by approximately 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. The project therefore connects fuel-switching technology with an operating production process, while also demonstrating the infrastructure, burner, instrumentation, and safety requirements associated with continuous hydrogen use in industrial drying equipment.

Technology Demonstrates Hydrogen Use Beyond Pilot Projects

Michael Ertl, Head of the Inorganic Pigments business unit at LANXESS, said, "Switching from a natural gas burner to a hydrogen burner is a significant technological step towards low-greenhouse-gas processes. We are proving that decarbonizing industry works not only in pilot projects, but also in the day-to-day operation of large production facilities." The statement highlights the project's focus on continuous commercial operation and the practical integration of hydrogen combustion into an established industrial process rather than a temporary demonstration setup.

Hydrogen Spray Dryer Conversion Details

The Krefeld-Uerdingen project combines a dedicated hydrogen burner with a direct industrial hydrogen supply and supporting process modifications. The following details summarize the main technical and operational elements described in the announcement.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The project demonstrates a practical pathway for industrial facilities to reduce emissions by replacing natural gas combustion with hydrogen where suitable fuel infrastructure and supply are available. Its significance extends beyond the individual spray dryer because the conversion incorporates hydrogen into continuous commercial production while using an industrial byproduct as the fuel source. The approach could inform similar industrial decarbonization efforts where compatible equipment, dedicated hydrogen burners, supply pipelines, measurement systems, and safety controls can be integrated into existing operations. Further progress will depend on the continued operation of the converted system and the availability of suitable hydrogen supplies for industrial users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did LANXESS change at its Krefeld-Uerdingen site?
LANXESS converted a spray dryer used for iron oxide pigments from natural gas to continuous hydrogen fuel operation at its Krefeld-Uerdingen production site in Germany. The company installed a dedicated hydrogen burner at the end of 2025 and progressively brought the system online. The conversion required dedicated supply piping, customized burner hardware, revised measurement and control instrumentation, and specialized safety systems. LANXESS estimates that the fuel change will reduce site emissions by approximately 6,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.