• SPECIAL TOPIC: HYDROGEN / RENEWABLE ENERGY •
brines often contain dissolved lithium. Pilot projects for the extraction of lithium from brine are already in motion. By using advanced direct lithium extraction( DLE) technologies, it is already possible to recover lithium without significantly disrupting the geothermal process.
Reliable, high-performance valves play a significant role in producing renewable energy from geothermal sources.
Efficiency Performance in Harsh Conditions
Brine and steam temperatures in geothermal systems range from 212 ° F to 698 ° F and often contain silica, lime, sulfur, and other minerals. Advances in geothermal technology now allow electricity generation even from brine at 212 ° F or lower.
Valves are critical in this process. They must minimize pressure loss while withstanding these impurities. Steam up to 698 ° F- and in future SCGT and SHR systems, even hotter- adds further challenges for valves and the overall system. Poor valve selection or maintenance can cause energy loss, inefficiency, or serious damage, especially to separators and turbine blades.
Geothermal plant valves also face harsh conditions, including high pressure, flashing, and silica scaling, while still ensuring safe, efficient flow control. Pressure and temperature fluctuations demand high valve performance. A major issue is silica scaling; deposits inside valves lead to leakage, which accelerates scaling and ultimately cause complete valve failure.
Another challenge for the geothermal business can be project duration: the traditional deployment of geothermal power plants can take years, from project start to having power online. These projects require large investments, and, in these kinds of huge projects, reliable and experienced partners are often welcome.
Safe, Reliable, and Energy Efficient
With reliable, high-quality valves, geothermal power plants can produce renewable energy efficiently and safely at a low cost and low environmental impact. The availability of the geothermal plant is crucial, which is why durable valves requiring minimal maintenance are preferred.
Our proven valve solutions are an ideal fit for the geothermal industry where the natural variation of fluid conditions can be very demanding.
Valmet has one of the industry’ s widest product scope with an extensive pressure rating for the wellhead-steam lines to the main steam distribution system within a geothermal plant. We have notable experience in sizing and selecting the right valves for geothermal service. In addition, if maintenance or expert help is needed, we also support our clients with comprehensive life-cycle services.
One service that has been well received is our Resident engineer service. This is when we assign a dedicated local service technician to the factory. In a case in Turkey for example, a geothermal power production facility contacted us to provide immediate service support to help solve their valve problems and minimize production losses. With several on-site visits per month, the geothermal facility reduced production losses and was ultimately able to define and prevent potential future problems.
Insulated steam pipework at a geothermal power station.
The Right Valves for Geothermal Plants
Some of the options are our Neles and Jamesbury valve solutions, which ensure efficient and reliable operation in geothermal power plants. The heavy-duty Neles™ Finetrol™ eccentric rotary plug valve is for separator level control( LCV). Neles™ metal-seated butterfly valves have demonstrated long, maintenance-free service in geothermal plants worldwide. Their eccentric plug or triple eccentric disc design, combined with hard-coated
32 Valve World Americas | June 2026 | www. valve-world-americas. com