ESD-SIC b.v.
Description
Silicon carbide (SiC) was discovered by accident in 1891 by American Acheson in his attempts to artificially make diamonds. Unlike many alchemists before him, his efforts were not entirely without results. His experiments produced dark, jagged crystals with a hardness surpassed only by diamond and boron carbide.
1891:Discovery of SiC by Acheson
1972-1974: Development of new SiC technology
1973: Start of SiC production in Delfzijl and establishment Elektroschmelzwerk Delfzijl B.V. (ESD)
1981: Energy recovery plant in Delfzijl - utilisation of process gases
1990: Construction of desulphurisation plant in Delfzijl
1994: ISO 9001 certificate
1995: Construction of water purification plant in Delfzijl
2001: Acquisition of ESK-SiC from Wacker
2004: Acquisition of ESD by Kollo holding b.v.
2005: Elektroschmelzwerk Delfzijl B.V. changes name to Kollo silicon carbide b.v.
2009: Acquisition of Kollo silicon carbide b.v. by REF-Processing GmbH.
Name change from Kollo silicon carbide b.v. to ESD-SIC bv.
ESD-SIC produces silicon carbide (SiC) from the raw materials sand and petroleum coke. Sand and coke are mixed in the right proportion to produce reaction material. From this mixture, a heap of material or an oven is built (around 3,500 tonnes). In the middle of this furnace is a core of graphite that serves as a current conductor. The furnace is covered with a plastic sheet to capture the process gases released during the production process, desulphurise them and reuse them to generate energy.
The graphite core is connected to a transformer and energised. As a result of the resistance, the temperature in the core of the built-up furnace rises to about 2500oC. At this temperature, the sand and coke decompose, forming the crystal SiC. The intense heating of the furnace requires a huge amount of electricity; the process is therefore very energy-intensive.
Silicon carbide is a substance used as an abrasive, as a heat-resistant material for diesel particulate filters and as an additive to cast iron, among other things.
Due to its extreme hardness, silicon carbide is an important material in the abrasives industry. Coarse to very fine silicon carbide can be used in loose and bonded applications. ESD-SIC produces both dark and green silicon carbide. Green silicon carbide contains fewer impurities and has the best grinding properties.
The raw materials for these grades are produced in Delfzijl. These grades are supplied worldwide by ESK-SIC with grain fractions as required.
ESD-SIC is the world's most environmentally friendly and energy-efficient silicon carbide producer and has been rated Best Reference in the EU.
ESD-SIC produces the highest quality SiC for various sustainable applications using the best available environmental-technical facilities and taking into account safety and working conditions
14:00 - 14:30 Reception.
14:30 - 15:30 Presentation Process and Product Engineering.
15:30 - 15:45 Interaction with questions and discussion.
15:45 - 16:45 Tour and tour of factory.
16:45 - 17:00 Closing.
Location
Kloosterlaan 11-13 9936 TE Farmsum
Organiser
Region North
Name and contact details for information
Mrs. ing. A.M.T.M. Oudejans. de Hilde 4. 9531 MH Borger. tel: 0599 - 236489.