POWER GENERATION
valves used in offshore wind farms require special materials and coatings to resist corrosion . Duplex and super duplex stainless steels are often employed for their excellent combination of strength and corrosion resistance .
Hydraulic systems in wind turbines , crucial for blade pitch control and nacelle yaw systems , rely on high-performance valves . These valves must operate reliably under high pressures and varying temperatures . Proportional valves and servo valves play a key role in precisely controlling these hydraulic systems , ensuring optimal turbine performance and longevity .
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy presents unique challenges for valve manufacturers due to harsh , corrosive and abrasive fluids operating at high temperatures and pressures . Specialised valve materials like nickel-based alloys ( Hastelloy , Inconel ) and titanium are often used for their corrosion resistance . Val-Matic ’ s QuadroSphere ® trunnion ball valves have proven effective in managing geothermal brine fluids , improving system reliability and reducing maintenance . Control valves must handle two-phase flow and resist erosion from mineral deposits . Multi-stage trim designs manage high pressure drops , while metal-to-metal seals or special elastomers withstand extreme conditions . Emerson ’ s Fisher™ control valves with FIELDVUE™ digital controllers are widely used for their ability to handle challenging conditions and provide precise control . The growth of binary cycle geothermal plants has led to valves designed for
72 Valve World October 2024 www . valve-world . net