Lanxess workshop invites production efficiency, color consistency

The Lanxess Corp. Inorganic Pigments (IPG) business unit hosted its Bayferrox Color Workshop in Pittsburgh for the 27th consecutive year. Nearly two dozen professionals representing North American concrete producers participated in the 2.5-day educational and laboratory training program.

Workshop developers aim to help participants learn how to better use iron oxide pigments to produce colored concrete products with greater efficiency and consistency. Participants receive comprehensive classroom education led by Lanxess color experts, in conjunction with hands-on laboratory exercises at the IPG Technical Competence Center in Burgettstown, Pa. The exercises outline step-by-step procedures exploring safety, color theory, pigments and pigment loadings; techniques for matching existing colors and creating new ones; variables that can affect finished concrete color; and, various types of pigment metering systems. Participants also learn proper laboratory techniques to apply at their own operations and receive equipment recommendations.

The newest Lanxess Inorganic Pigments iron oxide processing operation, located in China’s Ningbo Petrochemical Economic & Technology Development zone, recently received the National Green Plant certificate. The recognition is a key element of the country’s Green Manufacturing System, which aims to accelerate industrial development while maintaining high environmental standards. Certificates are presented to companies that have demonstrated a clear commitment to sustainability in their respective industries by implementing cutting-edge technology and environmentally friendly practices in their production facilities.

“Our plant in Ningbo sets a benchmark for the entire sector and achieves outstanding values, particularly with its low emissions and energy consumption per ton of product,” says Lanxess Inorganic Pigments head Holger Hüppeler. “We are the first and only global iron oxide manufacturer to date to receive National Green Plant certification. This puts us ahead of our competitors, as other companies will need to redesign their facilities or processes with regard to sustainability and enhanced environmental protection measures.”

The newly developed Ningbo Process is based on patented technology, he adds, and ensures the most environmentally-sound production of synthetic yellow-shade red iron oxides in Asia. Compared to traditional production methods, it generates significantly less nitrogen oxide and purifies greenhouse gas emissions with highly efficient equipment.