African Fusion June 2015

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June 2015 AFRICAN FUSION 39
A ir Products South Africa, leaders in
the industrial gas and chemicals
market, prides itself on finding innova-
tive modes of supply that match cus-
tomers’ demands and usage. Focusing
on ways to enhance security of supply,
and therefore customer service levels,
the company introduced CryoEase, an
effective and convenient alternative to
cylinders.
Thismode of supply, exclusive to Air
Products, has particular relevance for
the local welding industry, which relies
on a continuous and reliable supply
of gases for uninterrupted operations.
CryoEase is a solution where gas is sup-
pliedon-site through the use of specially
designed cryogenic storage tanks, and is
ideal for customers using ten cylinders
or more on a monthly basis.
Gary Lombard, CryoEase business
manager at Air Products South Africa,
explains: “CryoEase is amethodof liquid
gas delivery that suits a manufacturing,
fabrication or welding facility where
gas requirements have outstripped
cylinder volume capability, and where
the premises are large enough to house
a reasonably large storage tank. One of
the compelling advantages of CryoEase
is that Air Productsmanages the process
end-to-end. Thismeans that wemonitor
levels and replenish supplies without
the customer having to be involved in
the ordering process.”
Air Products’ telemetry systemalerts
the company well before customer lev-
els run critically low, therefore eliminat-
ing the risk of unplanned downtime due
to an interruption in supply, which could
be potentially disastrous in the middle
of a critical welding process.
CyroEase is also a cost-effective
alternative for customers who require
gases in liquid form for its cryogenic
properties, where the product can be
drawn directly from the tank. For ap-
plications where product is required as
gas, it may automatically be converted
from liquid into gas on demand.
“For our welding customers whose
needs vary, month by month, or whose
demand has suddenly changed or
grown, CryoEase presents a flexible
solution for effectively matching de-
mand. And, because it eliminates the
need for the company to manage its
cylinder turnover, do cylinder stock rec-
onciliations and deal with product loss,
CryoEase optimises operating efficien-
Air Products South
Africa
Air Products South Africa (Pty) Limited
manufactures, supplies and distributes
a diverse portfolio of atmospheric gases,
specialty gases, performance materials,
equipment and services to the Southern
African region.
The company serves customers across
a wide range of industries: food and bever-
age, mining and petrochemicals, primary
metal and steel manufacturers; and services
welding, cutting and laboratory applications
across all sectors.
Founded in 1969, Air Products South
Africahas built a reputation for its innovative
culture, operational excellence and commit-
ment to safety, quality and the environment.
The company aims to continue its growth
andmarket leadershipposition in the South-
ern African region.
CryoEase: an innovation for efficiency and peace of mind
Gary Lombard, CryoEase business manager at Air
Products South Africa.
Air Products’ CryoEase is a solution where gas is supplied on-site through the use of specially
designed cryogenic storage tanks.
cies,” says Lombard, adding that “there
are other spin-offs, such as improved
worksite safety and a guarantee of gas
quality and purity.”
Thecost-savingsofferedbyCryoEase
also relate to the need for fewer deliver-
ies, a reduction in cylinder loss or re-
sidual product loss, and a decrease in
time-consuming cylinder management
processes and related labour costs.
“Air Products’ specially designed
fleet of trucks come to our customers’
premises and replenish stocks on-site,
quickly and efficiently. There is a choice
of flexible tank storage options, which
depend on volumes required and, be-
cause the trucks are smaller than our
standard road tankers, they allow for
easier access to our customers’ sites,”
says Lombard.
CryoEase forms part of Air Products’
philosophy of offering a ‘total gas man-
agement’ solution which is designed
with its customers’ individual require-
ments in mind.
“When it comes to long-term cus-
tomer relationships, one way in which
we are able to offer optimum levels of
service is to ensure individually tailored
security of supply through our CryoEase
solution. It means our customers need
never worry about gas availability, or
even having to lift the phone. This frees
them up to concentrate on their own
core business.”
“Continuous flowmeans continuous
productivity, and ultimately peace of
mind for theuser through this innovative
solution,” Lombard concludes.
Welding and cutting