November, 2015
Experience in R&D&I projects Inprosol Sp. z o.o. is a new start-up company, interested in a broad range of innovative and environmentally friendly solutions in the ferroalloys and foundry industry. Inprosol s experience is based on cooperation with the scientific environment, mainly the Silesian University of Technology, the Opole University of Technology, the Academy of Mining and Metallurgy in Krakow and the Central Mining Institute. The company has set itself the goal of developing and implementing new production technologies of alloying additions and improving existing ones. In this regard, the company conducts patent research and seeks innovative solutions worth implementing in economic life. The aim of the activity is commercialization of new and improved production technologies, leading to reduced energy and raw material consumption. Recent areas of interests: Extension of research on new applications of microsilica, Production of ultra low-carbon ferrochrome (FeCr LC), Development of electrodes length control system in the electric arc-resistance furnaces, R&D project The modern algorithms for identification and control in the process of melting silicon alloys to improve the economic and environmental indicators 2
Experience in R&D&I projects Inprosol Sp. z o.o. has managed to acquire business partners to support both R&D projects and subsequent implementations. One of those partners is Re Alloys Sp. z o.o. the only ferroalloys producer in Poland. Re Alloys Sp. z o.o. has been producing and selling ferroalloys since 2001 with annual capacity of ca. 80 000 tones. The main products are ferrosilicon, silicon-based alloys and silica dust SILMIC received during ferrosilicon production process. The amount of Microsilica production is about 18 000 ton per year. Experts working for Inprosol took part in implementation of an innovative project in Re Alloys Sp. z o. o. entitled Development of a system for producing hot water and electricity from the latent heat in postproduction gases. EUR 5 M grant from European Regional Development Fund Improvement of energy efficiency of production of ferrosilicon 75% Electrical Energy production of 2,2 MWh/h Heat Energy production of 4 MW The project based on a pioneering technology licensed by European Silicon - www.europaensilicon.eu 3
Microsilica new applications Microsilica (also known as silica fume) is an ultrafine powder obtained, as a byproduct in carbothermic reduction of high-purity quartz with carbonaceous materials like coal, coke, wood-chips, in electric arc furnaces in the production of silicon and ferrosilicon alloys. The main field of microsilica application is pozzolanic materials for high performance concrete. Our initial idea is to implement the project for microsilica refining. SILICA DUST OFF-GASHEAT REFINING BIOLEACHING PURIFIED MICROSILICA AT PRODUCTION PLANT AT LABORATORY 4
Microsilica new applications Other R&D idea in early research phase: Innovative method of production of mesoporous carbons for the purpose with use of microsilica. Mesoporous carbons are used in catalytic, adsorption and electrochemical processes as well as in the field of gas sensing, ion exchange, optics, and photovoltaics. Other potential applications of microsilica: building industry (fibre cement, concrete, oil-well drilling, refractories and polymers, parking ramps, bridge decks, floor covering); computer chip fabrication; production of silicones which are widely used in sealants; medical purpose (to chelate mercury and other heavy metals); steel and foundry business (blast furnace troughs and runners, ladle linings, sliding gates, etc.); a basic additive to a carbon-microsilica composite adsorbent which can remove heavy metal ions (including Cr (IV) ) from wastewater; an additive to 3D-printer ink which is used for construction purposes; component for manufacturing of rubber products. 5
Type and role of partners sought We are looking for partners to find and develop innovative solutions and ways for microsilica utilisation: SCIENTIFIC UNITS LABORATIORIES SMEs END-USERS Contact us! Inprosol Sp. z o.o. ul. Cieszyńska 23G 43-170 Łaziska Górne Poland tel. +48 32 35 11 641, fax. +48 32 35 11 640 Marcin.Loska@inprosol.pl 6