AGC Glass Europe has strengthened process control and operational efficiency at its flat glass production facility in Mol, Belgium, through the installation of on-site hydrogen and nitrogen generation systems supplied by HyGear. The factory specializes in thin flat glass and specialty glass, where precise atmospheric conditions are critical to product quality.

As part of the project, HyGear delivered three Hy.GEN Compact® hydrogen production systems, each with a capacity of 50 Nm³/hr, providing a combined hydrogen output of 150 Nm³/hr. In parallel, a Hy.PURE® nitrogen purification system with a capacity of 700 Nm³/hr was installed to supply high-purity nitrogen on demand. The entire system is supported by 24/7 remote monitoring, ensuring continuous availability and operational reliability.

On-site hydrogen production allows AGC Glass Europe to maintain full control over its gas supply without reliance on external logistics. This is particularly important for float glass manufacturing, where hydrogen and nitrogen play a key role in maintaining a controlled tin bath environment. In the float process, molten glass is formed on a bath of molten tin, requiring a carefully regulated atmosphere to prevent oxidation and ensure consistent glass quality.

The integrated hydrogen and nitrogen solution delivers a stable, high-purity gas supply while significantly reducing transport movements. Beyond operational advantages, the system supports AGC’s sustainability objectives by minimizing emissions associated with gas delivery and improving overall process efficiency.

Commenting on the project, Koen Michiels, Manager Float at AGC Glass Europe Mol, emphasized that the reliability of on-site gas production enables the plant to focus fully on its core glass manufacturing operations, while presenting a strong and sustainable business case.