Innovations

Innovations and new technologies are a key element of ThyssenKrupp's strategy. Our researchers and developers work to constantly improve our broad range of products and manufacturing processes and develop numerous new products that deliver high customer benefits and make efficient use of resources and energy.

Our materials specialists have added four new grades to our product family of microalloyed fine-grain structural steels. These special structural steels display outstanding formability and high strength. Even parts subjected to high mechanical loads can be designed with thin walls to reduce weight – e.g. sprocket parts with intricate contours.

In collaboration with the Italian De Nora group, our plant engineers have developed an innovative membrane electrolysis process to recycle hydrochloric acid. It converts hydrochloric acid, a byproduct of many manufacturing processes, into high-purity chlorine. Compared with conventional electrolysis methods, the new process uses up to 30% less energy. A Chinese polyurethane producer has awarded us an engineering and procurement contract to build a hydrochloric acid electrolysis plant based on this technology.

The winners of the 10th Groupwide Innovation Contest were honored in the 1st quarter of the current fiscal year. First prize was awarded to a team from Plant Technology for the development of the "STAR Process®", a new, highly productive method of propylene manufacture with low energy consumption. Second prize went to a joint project by Steel Europe and Components Technology for an "integrated steering system" in which the steering housing is integrated in the front axle beam to save weight and packaging space. Third prize was won by a team from Stainless Global in Italy for the technically sophisticated casting of large ingots which serve as starting material for the production of forgings used in the power generating sector and in heavy industry.

The first ever special innovation award for "Energy and Environment" went to a team from the Materials Services business area for a modular modernization concept to increase the efficiency of conventional power plants. As a result, significant improvements in efficiency and reductions in unit CO₂ emissions can be achieved in power plant modernization projects.