An ST 26 000-litre cryogenic tanker bound for West Germany. The tanker will be used to transport liquid oxygen or nitrogen at -196°C. IRD was one of the first companies in the world to use stainless steel for the inner AND outer pressure vessels, thereby lengthening the life of the tanker by at least 5 years and significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Industrial Research & Development (IRD) (Pty) Ltd, based in Boksburg, is ranked among the top manufacturers and designers of cryogenic pressure vessels, road tankers and storage tanks in the world, with products exported to Europe, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Africa.
Cryogenic equipment is designed for storing, handling and transporting products at extremely low temperatures. IRD’s vessels act as giant thermoflasks, with an outer wall of carbon steel or stainless steel and an inner wall of stainless steel. The annulus between the two vessel walls is insulated and evacuated to ensure that cryogenic liquid inside the vessel remains at -196°C.
Despite initial problems in convincing potential customers that South Africa could manufacture high-technology equipment, IRD has established itself as a reliable and quality-conscious supplier and predicts good export business in the future.
IRD began its export drive 10 years ago. Managing director, Mr Willie Germann, remembers how difficult it was to get a foothold in overseas markets.
“When we began our export drive, South Africa did not have a reputation as a supplier of high-technology goods and it was difficult to get acceptance internationally.”
It took Mr Germann two years of travelling to meet potential customers before the first export order was received.
Initially, IRD concentrated its marketing activities in Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia. Through the years, the company has established excellent relationships with its buyers in these areas – so much so that substantial order are frequently placed by telephone.
Remarkable successes in Africa, the United Kingdom, West Germany, Spain and Portugal followed with equipment being supplied for use in gas industries, hospitals, food freezing plants, steelworks, engineering shops and air separation plants. Mr Germann predicts a growing demand for cryogenic products in the future.
“It is difficult to think of any major technological development that will not provide additional opportunities for cryogenic engineering.
ITD’s reputation, based on the company’s insistence for quality, performance, service and cleanliness, will ensure that it continues to receive its share of this vast potential market.
