ILTEC Technology—New Pathways
Towards Safe and Effective Cooling
Andreas Filzwieser, Martina Hanel, Hans-Jörg Krassnig, Rolf Degel,
Timm Lux and Alexander Bergs
Abstract It is the increasing demand for an economic and cost saving operation
mode that requires effective cooling in order to achieve low refractory wear and
good furnace lifetime, which is making cooling technology an important aspect of
furnace operation. In addition, the requirements for safety are getting more and
more into focus. However, the use of water—today’s standard cooling medium—has
major drawbacks as it can cause problems both during furnace start-up and operation, namely hydration problems, corrosion, and explosion. Not to forget the severe
risks for the operators as well as economical damage in case of a malfunctioning
water cooling system. With this new and patented cooling technology ILTEC and
the ionic liquid IL-B2001 as the cooling medium, it is possible to realise a waterfree cooling solution, and therefore, the door is wide open to rethink existing and
conventional cooling solutions. Furthermore, there is also the chance to recover heat
from the process in a more efficient way. However, since the technology is novel
and unique, there are a lot of concerns and doubts regarding safety for plant operators and employees. The paper is intended to cover both: highlighting the enormous
potential of the technology but also eliminating concerns mainly caused by rumour
and unawareness.
A. Filzwieser (B) · M. Hanel
Mettop GmbH, Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4, 8700 Leoben, Austria
e-mail: andreas.filzwieser@mettop.com
M. Hanel
e-mail: martina.hanel@mettop.com
R. Degel · T. Lux · A. Bergs
SMS Group GmbH, Eduard-Schloemann-Strasse 4, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
e-mail: rolf.degel@sms-group.com
T. Lux
e-mail: timm.lux@sms-group.com
A. Bergs
e-mail: alexander.bergs@sms-group.com
A. Filzwieser · H.-J. Krassnig · R. Degel
PolyMet Solutions GmbH, Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4, 8700 Leoben, Austria
e-mail: hans-joerg.krassnig@polymet-solutions.com
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2020
A. Siegmund et al. (eds.), PbZn 2020: 9th International Symposium
on Lead and Zinc Processing, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37070-1_59
683
Towards Safe and Effective Cooling
Andreas Filzwieser, Martina Hanel, Hans-Jörg Krassnig, Rolf Degel,
Timm Lux and Alexander Bergs
Abstract It is the increasing demand for an economic and cost saving operation
mode that requires effective cooling in order to achieve low refractory wear and
good furnace lifetime, which is making cooling technology an important aspect of
furnace operation. In addition, the requirements for safety are getting more and
more into focus. However, the use of water—today’s standard cooling medium—has
major drawbacks as it can cause problems both during furnace start-up and operation, namely hydration problems, corrosion, and explosion. Not to forget the severe
risks for the operators as well as economical damage in case of a malfunctioning
water cooling system. With this new and patented cooling technology ILTEC and
the ionic liquid IL-B2001 as the cooling medium, it is possible to realise a waterfree cooling solution, and therefore, the door is wide open to rethink existing and
conventional cooling solutions. Furthermore, there is also the chance to recover heat
from the process in a more efficient way. However, since the technology is novel
and unique, there are a lot of concerns and doubts regarding safety for plant operators and employees. The paper is intended to cover both: highlighting the enormous
potential of the technology but also eliminating concerns mainly caused by rumour
and unawareness.
A. Filzwieser (B) · M. Hanel
Mettop GmbH, Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4, 8700 Leoben, Austria
e-mail: andreas.filzwieser@mettop.com
M. Hanel
e-mail: martina.hanel@mettop.com
R. Degel · T. Lux · A. Bergs
SMS Group GmbH, Eduard-Schloemann-Strasse 4, 40237 Düsseldorf, Germany
e-mail: rolf.degel@sms-group.com
T. Lux
e-mail: timm.lux@sms-group.com
A. Bergs
e-mail: alexander.bergs@sms-group.com
A. Filzwieser · H.-J. Krassnig · R. Degel
PolyMet Solutions GmbH, Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4, 8700 Leoben, Austria
e-mail: hans-joerg.krassnig@polymet-solutions.com
© The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society 2020
A. Siegmund et al. (eds.), PbZn 2020: 9th International Symposium
on Lead and Zinc Processing, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Series,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-37070-1_59
683