Category: News

Paper and Pulp Valve Specialists

Posted on by Valveforce

Paper and Pulp Mills

As one of the largest industries in the world the paper and pulp industry demands reliability and high-quality valves. This is where Valveforce can help! Valveforce are Paper and Pulp Valve Specialists and understands that Pulp and Paper mill applications require valves that are able to handle the corrosive environment.

The industry need reliable flow control products, that can handle corrosive liquids with little to no maintenance or downtime. Valveforce’s expertise can tailor your needs to suit your system requirements.

SOMAS Valve sole distributor

As the sole distributor for Somas valves, Valveforce have an extensive knowledge of the market as Somas had developed and manufactured valves and other equipment specifically designed for the paper and pulp industry. These valves and applications contain acid proof stainless steel for protection from potentially damaging substances.

Due to the long production runs and the need for uninterrupted services that the paper and pulp industry costly valve failure can cause undesirable Somas Logo consequences due to the shutting down of the process.

Valveforce can save you time and money!

As Paper and Pulp Valve Specialists, Valveforce can offer a varied range of products to suit your applications. We can provide expert technical advice for the steam & condensate system and offer solutions for your specific requirements both in terms of design, material and installation.

Given the changes the paper and pulp industry is facing companies need to get a tighter grip operation costs. We can make large savings by helping with valve selection and introducing uniformity, interchangeability and reducing spares stock.

To find out more about how we can help you, read our Paper and Pulp broadsheet.

Contact us today

If you want to reduce maintenance costs, lower energy consumption and create higher productivity please contact us today. Call 0121 711 1908 or email info@valveforce.co.uk, our team of experts are here to help.

District Heating Scheme Valve Specialists

Posted on by Valveforce

District Heating SchemeAt Valveforce we are District Heating Scheme Valve Specialists. We are committed to help combat climate change and help the UK reach the 2050 energy target set in the 2008 Climate Change Act. One way the government is looking to achieve this is via District Heating Systems which use a single centralised source to heat a network of buildings. This reduces the reliance on the regular gas boiler heating.

District heating and cooling systems are an important and environmentally friendly source of energy. The aim is to provide low carbon energy cheaply and efficiently by using waste heat by products from other sources.

District heating systems generate heat in a centralised setting and distribute across a variety of different sites. Power is mainly produced from a centralised system either biomass or Combined Heat & Power System (CHP). CHP Boilers take the heat from cooling the engine during electricity generation. This is so the heat contained in steam,  can be transferred to individual buildings through pipes and via substations to heat them.

BROEN Valve Technologies

Broen Valve Technologies LogoFor more than 30 years BROEN have pioneered in district energy by constantly pursuing and refining valve technology and this commitment means, that BROEN blends reliability with quality to position thus are a trusted and preferred supplier for long lasting, efficient energy solutions. Valveforce finds that by partnering with BROEN they have the expertise to create safe, intelligent and lasting solutions that meet regulatory requirements.

How can Valveforce help?

Our extensive knowledge of the complete system extends from the Energy Centre, underground pipework including the main pipe isolation to the service pipe work and throughout utility plant-rooms. As District Heating Schemes are an invaluable source of energy there are increasing requirements in these markets.

The enormous power rushing through a district heating and cooling system, puts great pressure on the components. Valveforce work in partnership with the big names in Europe for district heating to provide new and more efficient solutions, specification and technical selection.

We supply many types of specific district heating valves into underground buried pipe networks, above ground distribution and terminal points.

The specific District Heating Equipment that Valveforce supplies are:

  • District heating welded ball valves
  • Tilting disc low pressure drop NRV
  • Isolating butterfly valves
  • 2 and 3-way electric actuated control valves
  • Differential pressure control valves

Contact us today

As District Heating Scheme Valve Specialists, we have the experience and a broad product range to really benefit you. Please call us on 0121 711 1908 or email info@valveforce.co.uk to discuss any valve related projects.

Steam and Condensate System Installation

Posted on by Valveforce

With over 40 years’ experience in manufacturing EPS bonded bead cavity wall insulation, our client is committed to creating warmer homes. They do so by improving the standard of home insulation in all properties.

Our client recently expanded and set up a new manufacturing facility in Central England, due to the continued growth of their bonded bead cavity wall insulation product range.

The process of making bonded bead cavity wall insulation requires the use of a steam generating plant. It is essential to deliver steam at critical temperatures and dryness fraction. This ensures the quality of steam being served to the continuous duty pre-expansion plant is met.

With a growing reputation as steam systems specialists, Valveforce (part of the Force group) were contacted to design the steam and condensate system. As well, the team carried out the full steam design and build project.

The Valveforce team carried out a full site assessment, a detailed steam and condensate system design, plus all the necessary mechanical and electrical installation works. Examples of equipment used included steam bellow sealed stop valves, pressure reducing valves, temperature control valves and condensate steam traps.

During the installation of the steam boiler plant, the Valveforce team carried out the oil feed installation to the burner, boiler water mains feed, blowdown vessel & safety valves vents and drains. This ensured that our client had one preferred installer, and specialist steam system team on board.

Specialist attention was given to the critical temperature of the plant. Valveforce ensured that there was a carefully selected steam separator and condensate drainage. This helped to ensure the driest levels of steam was produced.

Valveforce delivered the project on time and within budget, working alongside the site engineering team. During the build of the overall project, there were a couple of technical areas that needed to be addressed. However, we were able to offer their support and expertise.

steam and condensate system installation

 

 

 

 

 

Before and after photos

 

If you have a requirement for steam and condensate system installation, please contact Valveforce on 0121 711 1908. We would be very happy to discuss your project in detail.

Steam Trap Testing Basics 

Posted on by Valveforce

Due to high energy prices and global competition the need to reduce energy waste and improve system efficiencies is more essential than ever. Steam, is one of the costliest utilities in manufacturing plants, but it’s also a necessary component to produce product quality across multiple processing industries. Here at Valveforce, we offer steam trap testing services that can help you ensure your system is running safely and efficiently. 

One major contributor to waste and inefficiency is steam leaks: both to the atmosphere and through valves and steam traps. By simply implementing a steam trap testing program, you can save your company thousands of pounds. A good steam trap survey will be able to identify any faulty steam traps and steam leaks that can impact safety, in turn, this will reduce energy waste and promote sustainability. Steam trap failure can have a huge impact on product quality so it’s important to maintain and repair a facility’s steam trap population on a regular basis.

Ultrasonic steam trap testing

Ultrasound technology is a recognised procedure that’s used worldwide for steam trap testing, it is considered to be the most versatile of any predictive maintenance (PdM) technology. In addition to steam trap testing, common applications for ultrasound also include compressed air and gas leak detection, bearing inspection, motors, gearboxes, valves, and hydraulic applications. An ultrasonic steam trap tester should also be combined with visual inspection and temperature measurement. 

A Valveforce Steam Trap Survey involves a detailed inspection of your condensate return system and delivers the following:

  • Identification and an inventory of the complete steam trap population
  • Independent checking of each steam trap to ensure that it is correct for the application
  • Visual inspection of each steam trap to check that it is installed correctly
  • The latest ultrasonic testing of all steam traps in operation
  • Highlight other issues that may be observed in your steam and condensate system
  • Generation of an independent report as a result of the steam trap survey

With an increased focus on energy and sustainability within our industry, steam trap testing with ultrasound is a great way to show our customers that energy loss is something we take seriously. At Valveforce we make a conscious effort to correct problems related to energy loss and can help you do the same. Ultrasound technology is extremely versatile, not only can it provide insight into the health of steam traps, but also other components of the steam system such as heat exchangers, shutoff valves, control valves, solenoids, relief valves, cavitation in condensate return pumps, and steam leaks to atmosphere. 

Contact us today

As leading steam trap suppliers and experts in steam trap testing we can help your business save money when it comes to energy loss. 

For more information about steam trap testing head to our website today. Our specialists would love to discuss how implementing a maintenance program into your business strategy can save you thousands of pounds. To discuss this, you can call 0121 711 1908 or email info@valveforce.co.uk

If you have found this blog helpful, you may wish to read our previous blog on Valve Repairs. 

Valveforce can help with SFG20 planned maintenance

Posted on by Valveforce

SFG20 – simplifying the world of building maintenance

SFG20 is the definitive standard for planned maintenance. It is an invaluable tool to help facilities managers, contractors, building owners and anyone responsible for maintenance to stay compliant – also saving clients time, energy and money.

All businesses have a vast range of assets; HVAC (heating, ventilation and cooling) equipment, plants and electrical machinery. These all need regular auditing, maintenance, updates and testing to ensure they stay in line with legislation and compliance, and to ensure optimum performance, longevity and safety.

At Valveforce, we often find that there are a variety of specific skill sets that are required to do the above, which the owner operator does not have. This is were the specialist skills of the team at Valveforce can help, as we can provide the trades that are required, such as gas engineers, pipe fitters, coded welding, electrical and C&I and the detailed skills of valve technicians combined with the flexibility, support and project management that is often needed.

The expert team at Valveforce can help you with core schedules 61 for Valves and 62 for Valves – Automatic Controls.

If you would like to know more about how Valveforce can help you with SFG20 planned maintenance click here or call Valveforce’s team of specialists on 0121 711 1908.

To find out how Valveforce completed an extensive Valve Maintenance programme to comply with SFG20 click here.

Are you meeting your statutory Annual Boiler Insurance obligations?

Posted on by Valveforce

Most steam boilers continuously operate and are a key part of any plant and machinery on site. Steam boilers and high-pressure hot water boilers over 110C, require an annual insurance inspection under the Pressure Systems and Safety Regulations. Often this is tied into a high maintenance shutdown period for plants or individual systems, so that all steam served equipment is available for maintenance.

At Valveforce, our expert engineers have many years’ experience working across different industry sectors. We are able to carry out the boiler preparation for your annual insurance inspection and 5 yearly Non-Destructive Testing in line with your statutory insurance obligations. Valveforce’s Annual Insurance Inspection agreements ensure that your steam and hot water boilers are prepared for their annual inspection and rebuilt by our specialist Valveforce service engineers. Annual agreements typically consist of a yearly preparation of boilers for insurance inspection.

Our engineers will prepare the boiler for the insurance inspection, overhaul and certify all the critical valves and on completion of the inspection the boiler is rebuilt, filled and tested. We then carry out the working test to satisfy the inspector. Valveforce also offer additional Boilerhouse services.

To find out more about a Valveforce Annual Boiler Inspection please click here or call us on 0121 711 1908 to discuss your requirements, we’d be happy to help.

Save energy and reduce carbon emissions with a Steam trap Survey

Posted on by Valveforce

Valveforce are based in the Midlands, so our services are ideal for commercial clients nationwide. Our expert engineers have a reputation for outstanding workmanship and can be relied upon to keep your plant working in full order, performing work onsite during shutdown.

A Steam Trap Survey carried out on a regular basis is the most efficient way to eliminate costly losses, maximise energy efficiency and minimise production downtime. Having a leaking steam trap in your steam system is like having a hole in your wallet. Steam trap failure can be due to a number of factors, however a steam trap that is not working properly allows live and valuable steam to escape. Replacing or repairing steam traps may seem expensive at first, but the cost is nothing compared to the amount of money you’re losing because of a leaking steam trap.

An example of saving money: As a rule, just one passing 15mm Thermodynamic steam trap will cost you about £750 per year in live steam loss.

We have done Steam Trap surveys for a large number of hospitals and NHS trusts, as well as for Johnson Matthey, Major International, Viridor Polymer, Halewood International, Ornua Ingredients, Milliken Industries and SPIE Ltd to name a few.

To find out more about A Valveforce Steam Trap Survey please click here or call us on 0121 711 1908 to discuss your requirements, we’d be happy to help.

Valveforce can help with Valve Repair, Diagnostic and Commissioning Services

Posted on by Valveforce
  • Are your valve glands passing expensive and dangerous live steam?
  • Are your control valves sticking, working intermittently or simply not controlling?
  • Are you having safety issues on not being able to get a positive isolations?
  • Do you want to get your valve overhauled and repaired to be cost efficient?

Valveforce can help with your valve repair and refurbishment!

Continue reading “Valveforce can help with Valve Repair, Diagnostic and Commissioning Services”

The Force Group supporting Macmillan’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Posted on by Valveforce

We’re very proud to have taken part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday 28th September. The coffee morning is Macmillan’s biggest fundraising event for people facing cancer.

Along with games and a raffle, a delicious selection of cakes and samosas were baked and bought in by the team, to help raise funds for this wonderful charity.

A great time was had by all and most importantly £400 was raised.

Join us at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition and Conference, at Manchester Central Convention Complex

Posted on by Valveforce

Join us at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition and Conference, at Manchester Central Convention Complex

The Force Group (Valveforce, Controlsforce, Heatxforce and Pumpforce) will be exhibiting at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition on 9-10 October 2018.

Healthcare Estates is a truly unique event in the UK market. It’s the only national conference and exhibition to bring together those who design, build manage and maintain healthcare facilities.

 

 

Continue reading “Join us at the Healthcare Estates Exhibition and Conference, at Manchester Central Convention Complex”

Force GroupValveforceHeatxforcePumpforceControlsforce
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