18 THE WORLD OF HOSPITALITY
ENERTEK INTERNATIONAL
L’Ariete Gas Valve – The Next Steps
in Gas Saving Story
Some years ago, Marcello Nocera, a ingredients etc, a lever mechanism would With the pan removed and running at low
restaurant owner noticed his chefs would automatically reduce the gas flow to the or pilot rate, the risks of injury and burns
leave gas rings running at full rate during food burner to minimum flow rate or pilot only, from the high open flame were also greatly
preparation and cooking. When pans were off depending on the appliance design. When the reduced.
the heat, no attempt would be made to turn pan was re-positioned onto the gas burner, down the gas as the chef’s main concern was full gas rate would be automatically restored. With the original concept proven, Marcello’s
to ensure the food was always top priority.
This was wasteful and costing him money!
Marcello realised that any gas savings during
Marcello modified the appliances in his own
restaurant with a trial valve fitted to each
next hurdle was to produce a valve design
both practical and robust for the harsh
environment in a commercial kitchen.
burner. Running the appliances in real life The final valve design was produced and
commercial kitchen conditions over several Enertek International (Consultants in
months operation, 25% savings in gas usage Engineering Research, Design, Development
After much thought, Marcello had the novel was achieved. and Certification), were contracted to prepare
idea to add an additional valve between the With the reduced gas consumption came
cooking time would need to be designed into
the appliance rather than rely on chef input.
safety valve and the burner which would be
operated by the pan positioned over the gas
burner.
other benefits. In addition to substantial cost
savings, less gas meant less CO 2 generated,
a major consideration for manufacturers and
and submit documentation to BSI where the
valve was tested for safety and operation.
Marcello founded the company L’Ariete Ltd to
develop the valve which is now Patented and
ready to take the next step into production.
With the pan in position over the burner, users. Less heat in the kitchen reduced the gas would be delivered at full rate. If the pan load on extraction systems giving electrical For further information, please contact
was removed for cooling, stirring, adding savings an d a better working environment. Marcello Nocera: [email protected]
WEBSITE: www.enertekinternational.com