Current projects
Pressure retention valve in operation in Germany
The pressure retention valve is at present used in a geothermal project in the Bavarian Molasse Basin. The aim is to test the characteristics of the valve in operation. The following pictures give an insight on the installation on site.
European Geothermal Innovation Award
The pressure retention valve for geothermal systems by gec-co Flow Control got 2015 nominated for outstanding contribution towards geothermal energy. The European Geothermal Energy Council (EGEC), the european parent organization of deep geothermal energy, has honored gec-co Flow Control. The pressure retention valve PRV-GT has been on of the four finalists for the European Geothermal Innovation Award. Pressure maintenance at high temperatures for solild-containing or aggressive fluids is essential for hitch-free funtioncing geothermal systems. The valve of gec-co Flow Control is the solution for consistent pressure reduction and ensures wear resistance. It prevents cavitation, outgassing and deposition.
Field tests and new applications
Currently, the hydraulic variant (PRV-HD) of PRV is intensive developed. The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy is supporting this project. PRV-HD avoids naturally shear forces. Gentle pressure reduction decrease shear forces and increase significantly the lifetime of hydraulic oil. Thanks to the oilprotecting treatment through PRV-HD less additives are needed.
In parallel, the valve is opened for further applications. It offers significant advantages for alle pressure regulating processes in which cavitation phenomena arise. Due to its smooth pressure reducation it can be used for all fluids, which can be damaged at high shear stress. Thus, the use of the valve in sensitive organic and hydraulic fluids is possible.
Since the development of PRV-GT new steps are coming. After the design and construction of PRV-GT, the laboratory tests successful followed. On the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg these have been successfully completed, and now field tests are carried out. PRV-GT will be installed on a deep geothermal site for several months and tested. Meanwhile PRV-GT is already patented. Simultaneously further variations are designed, calculated and verified.
