---

From number 1, volume 3 – March 2008

ICL and development

Philips is hard at work developing the Woodstove, a revolutionary way of cooking that is extremely well suited for use in the world’s less developed countries. Last year, Philips approached ICL about an issue with the insulation and sealing for the burning chamber.
Naturally, ICL warmed to this project and we are proud to say we substantially contributed to the development of this innovative cooker.

Why the Woodstove?

There are currently in excess of 2 billion people in developing countries who use cookers that emit considerable amounts of smoke and toxic vapours. This prompts widespread health problems and is the cause of over 1.6 million deaths every year. Furthermore, fuel use is inefficient, resulting in unnecessary deforestation and environmental pollution.

Efficient and safe

The innovative Woodstove burns small pieces of wood or other organic matter and can be used in areas where there is no electricity. It has a small basic generator that drives an electronic fan which, in turn, creates an air current. The user does not have to charge the Woodstove, because once the fire is hot enough, the heat is converted into electricity. This is sufficient to recharge the generator and allow the fan to operate.

Thanks partly to the air circulation, this method of cooking is twice as fast as the traditional method, while only using half the fuel. The temperature can be easily adjusted because of the fan. The biggest advantage of this invention, however, is that no harmful fumes are emitted during cooking.

Local production

Not only will people in less developed countries soon benefit from cleaner cooking, but this project will also benefit local economies because, for the most part, the Woodstove will be manufactured locally.

---

Vacuum moulds

Last year, ICL went in search of a new supplier for vacuum- moulded insulation elements. The supplier is a market leader in Europe and supplies companies that include prominent manufacturers of central-heating boilers.

Their extremely advanced production process enables them to make high-quality moulds in almost every possible shape and size using safe fibres. This collaboration allowed ICL to considerably expand its flexibility and professionalism in this area of expertise.

---

From number 2, volume 3 – September 2008

Fibrox: the safe mineral fibre

ICL is the European agent for one of the most revolutionary fibre manufacturers in the world: Fibrox. With their excellent performance and low price, these fibres easily surpass the current ceramic fireproof, glass and other synthetic fibres.

Fibrox manufactures pure synthetic mineral fibres in a patented three-step process, in which minerals are melted, spun and extracted at high temperatures.

Better and more profitable

Fibrox fibres are pure and eminently suited to applications such as chimney insulation, high temperature-resistant vacuum moulds and asphalt reinforcement. Thanks to the high percentage of fibre (with low levels of shot), the wide diameter of the fibre and the resistance to high temperatures (up to 800°C), this material comfortably surpasses the requirements for advanced applications. Fibrox is an attractive alternative to the traditional insulation, filling and reinforcement materials, not only in terms of performance, but also in terms of price.

Receive a free sample, with no strings attached

Fibrox is available in two grades: the undiluted Fibrox 300 and the more refined Fibrox 030. We can send you a free sample so that you see the quality for yourself. With no strings attached.

---

ICL Ontop preferred supplier

This came as a nice surprise. ICL is the preferred supplier of Metaloterm Ontop – specialists in flue systems.

On 25 March, the Ontop buyers braved the wintry conditions to come and tell us the good news in person. ICL topped the annual evaluation in which suppliers are assessed with respect to reliability, delivery, response times and aspects relating to price and payment.

Certificate

It was a festive day. ICL’s management received a certificate and a wonderful trophy and were treated to a delicious lunch in the Euromast. And the staff, who, of course, made all this possible, were not forgotten either. They could enjoy an absolutely delectable Zeeuws pastry.

---

From number 2, volume 2 – November 2007

ICL and hydrogen

Business clients regularly involve ICL at an early stage in the development of new products and that gives them the opportunity to explore and test various options so that they can be sure to find the best solutions right from the start.

This is the case with one of our clients who specialises in the production of hydrogen, a promising energy carrier that is currently attracting a lot of attention. Hydrogen reduces our dependence on oil and natural gas, it can be stored, transported and used to generate electricity (using fuel cells), and it can be used in cars. While hydrogen is now being produced in many places, it is produced centrally and in large quantities. For motorists, for instance, it will not be a really interesting option until they can fill up locally. This process is well underway now.

Hydrogen filling stations

The company has developed equipment that is suitable for the small-scale production of hydrogen, making it possible to start building hydrogen filling stations. Good news for the environment, as this is a ‘clean’ technology. Using a specially developed reactor technology, hydrogen is produced from natural gas in a process that is clean and efficient. If it is used as fuel, it emits no fine dust or CO2. Tests have started in France with buses running on a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen.

Needless to say, insulating this equipment is crucial, and that’s where ICL comes in. Optimum insulation of the combustion chamber is achieved using specially made high-grade vacuum-formed parts.

---

From number 1, volume 2 – March 2007

New development: High-efficiency ‘Micro chp’ boiler is coming

Like the high-efficiency boiler, the new high-efficiency ‘micro chp’ boiler works on a room thermostat. As soon as the boiler starts delivering heat, electricity is generated. With the micro chp boiler, an average family in the Netherlands can generate about 75% of the energy it needs, making significant savings on energy costs.

Ecological awareness is steadily becoming a priority in our society. Increasingly, people are becoming aware of the part they play and the extent to which they can make a difference using energy in a sustainable way. The business community is responding to this wherever it can. Saving energy and making responsible use of available resources was the starting point for the development of a revolutionary concept – a high-efficiency ‘Micro chp’ boiler (combined heat and power boiler). This boiler not only produces heat for central heating and hot water, it also generates electricity. As this is a far more efficient way of generating electricity than in an electricity plant, it achieves energy savings of over 60% as well as a reduction of CO2 emissions. This spring will see the world premiere of this working model in Frankfurt am Main in Germany, where it will be displayed at the ISH, a renowned trade fair for sanitation, building, energy, air conditioning and ventilation technology.

---