INDUSTRIAL GASES
Reshaping industrial cutting and heating with Hydrogen Cleaner combustion, faster performance and improved safety are positioning hydrogen as a serious alternative to traditional fuel gases in heating and cutting applications. Images: Coregas and Messer Cutting Systems
Coregas’ H2Cut Oxyfuel Technology is emerging as a practical solution in this industrial space.
H
ydrogen is not a new gas, but its potential as an alternative fuel source is being widely realised across the global economy. Long relied upon fuels such as LPG and acetylene remain effective, yet both are tied to complex supply chains. LPG is produced as a byproduct of oil refining, while acetylene depends on calcium carbide, much of which is sourced overseas. This reliance on imported and traded materials can expose manufacturers to volatility, particularly during periods of global economic disruption. Against this backdrop, hydrogen is gaining traction as industries seek more stable, sustainable energy options. Coregas’ H2Cut Oxyfuel Technology is emerging as a practical solution in this transition. Already in use across industrial settings, it enables faster and cleaner heating and cutting processes. The result is a measurable lift in productivity, with reduced labour input and less time spent on post-cut cleaning and finishing.
Efficiency meets safety and sustainability
Data per 60s, Source: Leibnitz University Hanover
36 Manufacturers’ Monthly May 2026
As with all industrial gases, hydrogen must be handled correctly. When it is, it offers a range of safety advantages that are difficult to ignore. Being around 14 times lighter than air, hydrogen disperses rapidly, thus reducing the likelihood of flammable gas build-up compared to LPG or acetylene. The benefits extend beyond dispersion according to Coregas. Hydrogen supports a cooler and more controlled working environment, producing less radiant heat and a quieter, less visually harsh flame. Reduced dust emissions and improved visibility contribute to a workspace that is both safer and comfortable for operators. There is also a growing industry focus on occupational exposure to fumes. While welding emissions have been scrutinised, heating and cutting processes can generate similarly harmful byproducts. Nitrogen oxides (NOx), including nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, are commonly produced when burning traditional fuel gases. These emissions are subject to strict limits set by Safe Work Australia, with further tightening expected. Coregas believes hydrogen presents an advantage in this area. Its combustion and unique heat transfer reduces NOx emissions, supporting improved air quality and aligning with evolving