Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint is working on the development of a hydrogen-powered dryer for printing and coating systems. Initial tests at Pano Verschluss show promising results that pave the way for more environmentally friendly production.
Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint has carried out its first successful tests as part of its „Hydrogen-heated dryer“ development project. In cooperation with Pano Verschluss, a hydrogen burner was tested in 2023, which can heat the CO2-emissions during the drying of paints could.
Conventional drying in printing and coating plants is usually carried out using fossil fuels such as gas. However, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint is pursuing the goal of reducing CO2-emissions by using green hydrogen as an energy source. According to Ralf Hipp, CEO of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint, the company would like to offer its customers a almost CO2-neutral production. Since 2022, the company has been working on the feasibility of a hydrogen-based dryer, supported by independent institutes that are analysing the simulation of hydrogen combustion and safety concepts.
Successful tests
Together with Pano Verschluss, a partner in the project, the first practical test was carried out in 2023. The hydrogen burner converted for test operation delivered stable results: Production ran smoothly, the limit values for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were adhered to and the end product met the quality requirements. With these findings, the first prototype, which will be developed again in 2025 under real production conditions. to be tested.
The results of the test phase mark an important step in the direction of more environmentally friendly drying technologies. The hydrogen burner will be available both for new systems and for retrofitting existing systems. As A hydrogen-natural gas mixture is also offered as an interim solution, to facilitate the introduction. If green hydrogen is not yet available in sufficient quantities, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint offers further measures to increase efficiency, such as the utilisation of waste heat or energy-saving UV LED drying technologies.
Source: Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint
