Dr. Aeikens called the commissioning of this new system “a true success story". In the context of the InfraLeuna-energy concept "ProEnergie2014+", the former gas-based steam generation has been mostly replaced by waste heat sources. The project is successfully finished on schedule, within the estimated budget of seven million euros, and remained accident free.
The main customer of the high pressure steam is DOMO Chemicals, who is from now on mainly supplied with waste heat steam by a process plant of Linde AG. "We reach a new level in our own energy supply in terms of reliability, efficiency and stability with the launch of the new high-pressure steam system at the Leuna site" says Alex Segers, CEO of DOMO Chemicals. To transport this waste heat steam an approximately 3.8 km long high pressure steam pipe in nominal sizes of 300/400, was replaced on pipe bridges, and connected to the existing steam system. In total the high pressure steam is transported over a distance of 4.8 km. Besides the construction of the high-pressure steam line, modifications were required at the process plant of Linde AG and also extensive reconstructions had to be carried out at InfraLeuna’s power plant.
The transport of steam at a pressure level of 45 bar over this great distance was a premiere for the Leuna site. It was a real technical challenge in terms of dimensions the choice of material and insulation system. This project is an example of efficiency, supply reliability and emissions reduction for the entire chemical industry.