Solutions for sustainable fluidic processes

Kick and Drop coils

Energy saving is a key concern for any manufacturing operation, and our novel Kick and Drop coils are a useful option to achieve this for solenoid valves. These valves feature two coils: a primary to lift the plunger, and a second to hold it in place. The second coil can consume a significant amount of power, especially in processes where the valve remains open or there are multiple cycles.
Kick and Drop is a dual coil technology designed to address this limitation. An electric impulse excites the primary coil to open the valve, but after 500 milliseconds, the second coil holding the valve in position switches to low power mode. This delivers dramatic energy savings of up to 80% depending on the application, reducing power consumption and associated emissions, as well as costs.  

Hydroformed valve bodies

Saving materials can improve the sustainability of both the product and its intended application. Bürkert’s hydroformed diaphragm tube valve bodies are an excellent example.
Typically, tube valve bodies are cast, forged or sometimes milled in stainless steel for a bulky design to accommodate high pressures. However, these processes can use a lot of stainless steel, which is very energy intensive to produce.

We use hydroforming instead, where a tube is filled with water-oil emulsion and pressurised within a mould to form the shape. This uses much less material while retaining the original thickness of the tube, ensuring suitability for high pressures without a bulky design.
Popular in hygienic applications, a tube valve body with less mass also means fast, energy efficient sterilisation. To clean the valve, steam is injected at temperatures ranging from 100°C to 140°C. A bulky design takes longer to heat up, so demands more power. However, a low mass Bürkert tube valve body heats and cools quickly, saving energy and getting operations back online faster.

Internal air routing

Typical valve actuators are controlled by air from the positioner supplied via a pilot valve. After movement, air is vented to atmosphere. However, when the actuator moves in the opposite direction, if no air enters the chamber a vacuum is created, potentially damaging the valve or rendering it immobile. Drawing in external air to combat this has consequences. In the food and beverage industry, hot moist air from cleaning entering the actuator can cause corrosion.
To extend valve service life, we offer internal air routing technology in our ELEMENT stainless steel actuators and control heads. Instead of air being vented, it is fed back into the positioner. When the actuator moves again, no vacuum is created, as clean compressed air is supplied. No external air is ingested, extending the service life of the valve while reducing air consumption and energy use.

FLOWave

The FLOWave flow measurement sensor provides multiple sustainability benefits. A Coriolis flow meter for a 2-inch pipe can weigh up to 50 kg, while a comparable FLOWave can be held in one hand. This lightweight design saves on carbon-intensive stainless steel and ensures efficient sterilisation thanks to a faster heat/cool cycle. The straight pipe of the FLOWave minimises any pressure losses in the system compared to a Coriolis design too, reducing power demand.
Using surface acoustic waves (SAW) to provide incredibly precise flow measurements, the FLOWave optimises usage of ingredients for batch control in pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. Accurate dosing not only lowers fluid consumption and costs, but safeguards product quality and reduces waste.

TwinPower and latching valves

For operators of valves looking to optimise energy usage, Bürkert’s TwinPower valves provide a clear advantage. Ideal for valves that remain open for long periods and do not require an emergency position, TwinPower uses one coil to move a plunger or rocker into position and another to move it back. Once fixed in place, the valve can’t move. 
TwinPower technology delivers a power saving as energy is only required to move the valve, with the coils providing holding. Using pulses for opening and closing eliminates holding power consumption, providing cost and emissions savings. The technology is featured on valves such as the Type 6724 and 6624.
Latching valves use only a single coil to move the armature, but also don’t require continuous current to stay in position. To move into another position, the voltage polarity is reversed instead. Again, the use of pulses reduces energy usage.

Electromotive valves

The process controller Type 3361 is a motor driven, electromotive process valve for large orifices that offers sustainability benefits over big pneumatic valves. First, pneumatic valves require pressurised air from often inefficient compressors, delivered by facility air ring mains that are notorious for pressure losses. Conversely, an electromotive valve eliminates this complex infrastructure, saving operators energy and maintenance costs.
Pneumatically actuated valves must compensate for fluctuating process pressures to prevent movement, which consumes energy. Meanwhile, an electromotive actuator design stays fixed in place due to the internal gear mechanisms, and does not use any power to do so. 
If required in the event of a power failure, a supercapacitor supplies enough power to move the valve to a safe position. The super capacitor charges in less than 2 minutes, offers a 10-year service life and uses less power when compared to a battery.

Electromotive 2 way globe control valve

Type 3361

• Hydrogen version available
• Highly precise, dynamic closed-loop control
• Weather, impact and vibration resistant design
• Several Kv values per port size due to removable valve seats
• Position controller and process controller available

Valves for hydrogen fuel cells

We offer ready-made products for clean energy applications such as hydrogen fuel cells. Type 6440 safety shut-off and Type 6020 proportional control valves support the decarbonisation of stationary power, automotive and transport applications. Both are highly suitable for Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems or Alkaline Fuel Cell (AFC) systems utilising either an active or passive recirculation loop.
The Type 6440 is a servo-assisted 2-way piston valve for safe shut-off, while the Type 6020 optimises the performance of fuel cells by regulating hydrogen supply to the stack. Specialisations include 316 stainless steel construction, low leak rates and a high operating pressure range.

Sustainable systems from a single source

As a full system provider, Bürkert can apply sustainability principles to system design. If you want to reduce power consumption, use of materials or wastage in your fluidics process, our experts can offer proven products to deliver improved efficiency. Our extensive range ensures that an energy saving alternative is usually available.
The ability to replace Bürkert components individually such as coils or plungers helps to extend the service life of our products and reduce wastage. Furthermore, remote monitoring thanks to the inherent interconnectivity of our solutions helps minimise the carbon footprint of maintenance activities.
Intelligent system design also contributes. For example, eliminating dead leg areas and minimising system volume with block or Robolux valves can save energy in manufacturing and cleaning processes. By partnering with a single trusted expert, a virtuous circle of efficient valve and system design can be achieved.

Contact us today to see how we can reduce the energy consumption and improve the sustainability of your fluidics process.