▲ From left to right, Jin Ho Kim, Head of R&D Center at POSCO E&C, Yong Guk Oh, CEO of HNX

HNX (formerly, Hyundai Fine Chemicals) announced on the 15th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation with POSCO E&C to develop a new technology for reducing particulate matter.

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly develop the use technology such as the standard mixing ratio of scattering dust inhibitor and spray method, which are the most economical and convenient in the construction site.

The dust inhibitor, which is being developed by HNX, forms a net-like membrane made of eco-friendly materials to hold the soil and moisture, so that when sprayed onto the soil, the surface of the soil becomes condensed so that the soil does not blow off in the wind.

POSCO E&C conducted a pilot test for the same period of time and the same work at the site construction site of Pyeongtaek Paper Works, which was under development by HNX since June of last year. 1/4, it was confirmed that the watering work time was reduced to 1/24.

The dust inhibitor sprayed on the earth and sand had an effect that lasted for 3 months at a time, and no additional work such as dismantling the dust cover or generating waste was generated because the dust cover was not used.

The dust inhibitor sprayed on the road at the construction site lasted for one week with a single sprinkler, the effect of suppressing scattering dust increased, and the risk of safety accidents due to road contamination and freezing due to the movement of the construction vehicle was also greatly reduced. As the effectiveness is verified, the researchers of both companies plan to obtain the certification of new environmental technology by finding the most effective method of standard mixing ratio and spraying technology according to the type of soil, the type of construction, and the condition of the road.

When the technology development is completed, it is planned to consult with government agencies to use environmentally friendly dust inhibitors at construction sites, conduct interpretation of laws and regulations related to use, and expand it to be used at all construction sites. As a result, HNX and POSCO E&C developed a new technology for reducing particulate matter at the construction site for the first time in the construction industry.

HNX is a company founded by Hyundai BS&C President Dae Sun Chung, the third generation of Hyundai family, and includes chemicals such as scattering dust inhibitors, surface hardeners, and descaling agents. It is exported to 25 countries and distributed in Korea. In addition, HNX is actively engaged in global eco-friendly technology development and market expansion, including a partnership with Kemerovo of Russia in 2019 to deal with coal dust and discussions on dust control with the city of Rizhao, China.

▲ Photograph : Oh Yong-guk, CEO of HNX (second from right of the front row), met Sergei Chivelov, Governor of Kemerovo region (fourth from right in the front row) to discuss cooperation to improve environmental problems. (Photo courtesy of Hyundai BS&C)

HNX (formerly, Hyundai Fine Chemicals), founded by Mr. Chung Dae-sun, President of Hyundai BS&C President and the third generation of the Hyundai family, is drawing attention from the industry as it is taking the initiative in improving environmental problems in the Russian industrial region with coal dust suppression technology. According to the related industrial source on February 21st, HNX met the Kemerovo state government, which is the center of Russia's coal industry, on February 15th and set up a working group to improve environmental problems. In addition to signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the state government, HNX has signed a collaborator research agreement with the Industrial Environment and Safety Science Center, Russia's only such center in coal industry.

Kuzbass in the Kemerovo state is the center of coal industry, which accounts for more than 60% of Russia's coal production, and operates approximately 100 coal mines, including surface mines. However, coal dust at these mining sites has caused damage to residents in nearby areas, raising a serious environmental problem. This coal dust is called 'black snow' and blackens the natural environment of Russia.

Eco-friendliness and performances of the HNX’ coal surface hardener and fugitive dust suppressant have been verified by domestic certificate institutions such as Korea Testing & Research Institute, and the products are supplied after rigorous field tests in coal power plants in Korea. Coal surface hardener is an eco-friendly product that hardens the surface of coal piled up in the coal storage yard or during transport to prevent dust generation and to prevent collapse in rain with its strong water resistance. It also has a function of suppressing natural ignition that may occur in coal piles.

Fugitive dust suppressant can be applied to places where fugitive dust is generated such as construction sites and unpaved roads, and suppresses dust for a long time with its net structure when it is sprayed on roads.br>In the meeting with HNX, Governor Mr. Sergei Chivelov ordered the formation of a working group for the project at the state government level, and expressed high interest in the products and technical skills of HNX, asking HNX to join the working group as well. "We also had meetings with the management of Russian coal companies to introduce products and technologies during our visit," a company official said, "We are currently receiving love calls from Russian coal-related companies.".

In addition to fine chemicals, HNX exports petrochemical products, inorganic chemicals, lubricants and PVC stabilizers to 25 countries as well as distributes them in Korea.

※ Russian TV Broadcasting URL : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRLZI3OoFH0