EUROPEAN STEEL TECHNOLOGY AND APPLICATION DAYS 2017 - ESTAD 2017

With the ILTEC Technology, Mettop´s patented water-free cooling solutions, it is possible to overcome the disadvantages of water by using an alternative cooling medium, namely the ionic liquid IL-B2001. The main characteristics, which makes IL-B2001 so favourable, are the neglectable vapour pressure, the wide liquidus range and the not flammable, non-explosive and atoxic behaviour. Since it is well known that there are multiple reasons of creating damage caused by leaking of water cooled panels in EAF´s, it is of superior interest to eliminate water as the cooling medium in certain areas: within the upper shell there might happen hydration of the refractory material caused by small leakages in the upper side wall cooling panels leading to molten steel perforation or in the off-gas parts were there can occur cooler perforation due to corrosive off-gases. Another problem are prewear hot spots within the sidewall of the refractory lining leading to additional down time causing production losses which can be alleviated. Not to forget the priceless benefit of a safe workplace. Using the example of a 100 t EAF, the different possibilities of implementing ILTEC are pointed out, from the bottom and the upper shell to the roof and off-gas parts of the furnace. In order to show the saving potentials, the economic benefits of increased furnace availability by implementing improved cooling solutions is provided. In addition, the benefits of increasing safety, illustrated according to different damage scenarios will be highlighted and the impact of a change to ILTEC discussed. It is the well-engineered technology and the sophisticated process control that in the first place prevents damage based on immediate leak detection combined with the outstanding properties of IL-B2001 in case of failure or leakage that makes ILTEC creating new pathways towards safe and effective cooling.