Understanding the environment and working with it are part of everyday operations for Circor. Its award-winning Houttin Energy Recovery Valve (ERVC) controls flow in an accurate, fast and stable way, without being influenced by fluid densities and pressures. It also recovers the hydraulic energy wasted by conventional control valves, producing electrical energy in the process. This kind of innovation was exactly what the judges of the Global Tank Storage Awards were looking for.

Technical details

The ERCV from Houttuin combines modern variable-speed drive technology, control logic and a screw pump configured as a twin-screw-motor (TSM). ‘With this innovation, twin-screw technology can convert excess hydraulic energy into mechanical or electrical energy and save millions of tonnes of carbon,’ says Axel Jäschke, business development director twin-screw at Circor.

The TSM transports the liquid inside the feed screws in closed chambers. The flow depends directly on the speed of the TSM. When operating as a pump, the flanks of the feed screws push against the higher outlet pressure. This adds energy to the flow. When operating as a motor, on the other hand, the screw flanks hold the flow at the intended flow rate against the inlet pressure and extract hydraulic energy from the flow.

The valve can work with many types of fluids, no matter the pressures or densities. This brings additional benefits to terminal operations, by simplifying the flow control process. Plus, by recovering energy during flow control, the ERCV can use the electrical power locally, or feed it back to the grid, saving costs and reducing a terminal’s carbon footprint.

Jäschke says: ‘The operator can select a set pressure that corresponds to either the inlet or outlet pressure of the ERCV. The intelligent controller varies the flow to achieve a balance between the process flow and the ERCV flow rate at the desired pressure.’

Standing out in the market

The ERCV’s main USP is its ability to recover electrical energy. Jäschke says: ‘As of today, energy recovery is available from <0.1 kW up to 1000 kW per unit. This means a medium sized 100 kW ERCV recovers about 875,000 kWh per year in continuous operation. At today’s value of €0.2 per kWh, this saves €175,000 in energy cost. At the same time, the ERCV reduces total carbon emissions by 367.5 tonnes annually (around €13,000 worth in CO2 Certificates).’ This environmental consciousness is exactly what led to Circor entering the Global Tank Storage Awards, and ultimately winning the gold award for Environmental Performance.

Circor’s Amélie Schorb says: ‘We live in a time where commitment to environmental protection has become one of the most important issues for not only companies, but people in general. With the ERCV we have a solution that can help to reduce carbon emissions a lot and therefore can support other companies in improving their environmental footstep.’ She adds: ‘Winning the gold Tank Storage Award for Environmental Performance is a great honour that fills us with pride. It validates our commitment to sustainability and motivates us to continue making a positive impact on the environmental protection.’

The win has given Circor a platform to shout about its achievements, and establish itself as a leader in green processes. ‘Winning the award is a confirmation for us that we are heading in the right direction. This acknowledgment not only motivates us but also provides strong support for our continued work on innovative sustainable solutions,’ adds Jannik Röben, director strategy and marketing at Circor. He adds: ‘My advice for participants applying for the Global Tank Storage Award in the Environmental Performance category is not only to think about your product and how to it can be more efficient or sustainable. Think about the whole process your product is part of, and how you can adapt it so that the process is more efficient, operates with less equipment or with an increased equipment service life. You need to have the confidence that your product or solution will make this difference and prove it.’

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability is a top priority for Circor. A key aspect of this is product lifetimes. All pumps from its brands Houttuin, Allweiler and IMO are designed to be highly reliable to reduce waste and environmental impact. This is demonstrated by a large number of pumps still in operation that have been in the field for several decades. The company is actively working to improve its environmental footprint in its factories, and is developing products for applications in sustainable technologies. This includes pump solutions for alternative fuels and hydrogen production.