The BMW Group has pioneered the use of electric exhaust purification in its paint shops, marking a significant step towards reducing CO2 emissions by replacing natural gas with renewable electricity for thermal purification processes.
Michele Melchiorre, Head of Production System, Planning, Tool Shop, and Plant Construction at BMW Group, emphasized the importance of this innovation: “For other energy-intensive paint shop processes, such as vehicle drying and water heating, solutions already exist for working without natural gas. So, electric exhaust purification is the final steppingstone for the BMW Group to run its paint shops on regenerative energy in the future.”
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Electric Regenerative Thermal Oxidation (eRTO)
The new method, known as electric regenerative thermal oxidation (eRTO), allows for the purification of exhaust gases at temperatures up to 1,000° Celsius using electricity instead of natural gas. This process involves burning off solvent residues from paint booths and drying areas by passing the exhaust through a bed of ceramic media, which retains the heat and reduces energy consumption.
Implementation and Expansion
The eRTO system has been successfully tested at BMW Plant Regensburg and BMW Brilliance in China. Plant Dingolfing has also converted a painting line to use this system for series production. The BMW Group’s new plant in Debrecen, set to open in 2025, will exclusively use this method for exhaust purification.
Environmental Impact
This innovative approach not only reduces CO2 emissions but also ensures that the exhaust from paint booths and drying areas is purified effectively, preventing environmental harm. The use of renewable electricity for this high-temperature process underscores BMW’s commitment to sustainable production practices.
Future Plans
Following successful tests and initial implementations, BMW Group plans to expand the use of eRTO across its production network. The conversion of additional paint lines and the implementation of this technology in new facilities demonstrate BMW’s dedication to sustainable innovation and reducing its carbon footprint.
This initiative aligns with BMW Group’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy sources into its production processes, ensuring that future operations are both efficient and environmentally responsible.
Source: BMW Group Launches Electric Exhaust Purification in Paint Shops to Reduce CO2 Emissions
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