Sensors Business Group - Heraeus Electro-Nite
The sensors business group (Heraeus Electro-Nite) is the world market leader in sensor and measurement systems for the steel, aluminum, and foundry industries. As a recognized specialist in measurements for molten iron, steel, and aluminum, the company produces and markets high-quality sensors from global manufacturing and sales facilities on every continent. In close cooperation with its customers, Heraeus Electro-Nite develops product solutions that contribute significantly to greater efficiency and higher quality in production processes, as well as improving working conditions and protecting the environment.
Sensors - Heraeus Electro-Nite N.V.
Revenue: Euro 294.5 million
Employees: 3,109
(End of 2009)
Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
(Sensors for Molten Metals)
Centrum Zuid 1105
3530 Houthalen, Belgium
T: +32 (0) 11.60 02-11
F: +32 (0) 11.60 04-00
info.electro-nite.be@heraeus.com
Pt
Platinum (Pt, melting point 1,769°C) is inextricably linked with Heraeus’ history. In 1856, company founder Wilhelm Carl Heraeus was the first person to melt this precious material in industrial volumes and quality using an oxyhydrogen blowpipe. Since that time, scientists have found many applications for platinum and its alloys, whether in crucibles for analytical examinations or in catalysts for purifying exhaust emissions. Platinum is precious, but also expensive. The goal: to find an adequate substitute for platinum alloys using new platinum composite materials in applications such as the production of long-lasting spark plug electrodes. A newly developed material made of platinum-zirconium oxide has made this particular goal a reality. This innovative material gives the spark plugs an excellent lifespan in spite of increasing load, while at the same time lowering the cost to customers because the less costly zirconium oxide replaces some of the platinum.
The illustration shows platinum in the form of a fine sponge, an intermediate product formed in the process of recycling the precious metal.
