The company Ipsen International GmbH, Kleve, invited to the “Meet the Heat” event on 20 and 21 September 2023 as part of the company’s 75th anniversary. Prof. Pfeifer and Lukas Sankowski from the IOB accepted the invitation.
As one of three keynote speakers, Prof. Pfeifer presented the topic “Potentials of electric heat and CO2-neutral fuels for thermoprocessing technologies”. He outlined the currently discussed alternatives to fossil fuels in thermoprocessing industry. In addition to electrical heating of processes, the use of potentially green fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia or dimethyl ether as a substitute for natural gas was also part of the discussion.
At the event, the Ipsen company presented its various vacuum, atmospheric and peripheral systems for the heat treatment of metallic materials, e.g. for case hardening of gear parts in the automotive sector, on a tour through the production halls. A special highlight was the “Future Lab”, which had been inaugurated the day before by Mona Neubauer, NRW’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy. In particular, the hybrid-powered Atlas Green sealed quench furnace, which is equipped with electric heating elements and hydrogen burners, attracted the attention of the approximately 300 visitors.
Various presentations on industry experiences, new developments and digital offers of the individual departments were completed by further keynotes. Probably the greatest impression was left by the former Dutch astronaut Dr André Kuipers with a special view of the Earth and the topic of sustainability, namely from space. The event was concluded with a panel discussion on the topic of sustainability and energy efficiency, in which Prof. Pfeifer also took part.
The event was rounded off by a nice evening programme with live music, beer tent and barbecue. We would like to thank the Ipsen company for the great event!
