KLINGER Denmark serves unique geothermal systems in Iceland

KLINGER Ballostar valves are successful throughout Iceland, suitable to meet multiple specialized geothermal and district heating needs for both public and private use. Today, Iceland's geothermal power plants produce more than 25% of the country's electricity.

A famously busy travel destination, the geothermal spas at the Blue Lagoon near Reykjavík, Iceland, are renowned for their unique chemical composition. The milky blue water’s mineral content is said to offer restorative properties to the skin, attracting visitors from all over the globe. While praised for their effect on the body, the silica and salts of the geothermal waters create a unique challenge for the valve system that supports them.

 

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Mixed material seats create the ideal ball valve

Geothermal water chemistry is dictated by the microelements in the reservoir rock and in the subsurface environment. In Iceland’s water supply, this results in a high concentration of silica, salt, and other hard minerals, which cause a build-up of sediment in the valves. This creates a need for more frequent system service.

Wells in the aquifers bring the geothermal water to the surface, where it is then pumped to control units that prepare the water for distribution. Within the control units are KLINGER Ballostar KHA DN25-50 valves, which feature a combination seat. On one side, a metal seat, which stands up to the rigors of the constant sediment build up. On the other side, KLINGER Fluid Control’s popular soft seat, which adheres to ensure a tight seal. As the Ballostar valves are actuated, the friction against the metal seat removes the sediment build up, allowing the system to remain in use for longer periods of time without service.

 

After the water leaves the control units, it is pumped to 13 distribution boxes among the lagoons. Each box contains a KLINGER Ballostar KHA Stainless Steel ball valve and actuator that controls the water flow and temperature, keeping the lagoons at a steady 38 degrees while refreshing the water every 24 hours. These distribution boxes float on platforms throughout the lagoons, creating distance between the original sourced water and the mixed water, for the safety of both guests and service personnel.

 

District heating lines (left) and Jónas Þór Markússon (right), Operations Manager at Varma & Vélaverk with a Ballostar KHI DN600 valve

District heating: hot water for Reykjavík

The lagoons are not the only geothermal project in Iceland for which KLINGER was able to provide a superior valve product. Four geothermal lines provide heated water to Iceland’s capital, Rejkavik, in a challenging heavy-use district heating system that requires a valve capable of handling 27 bar. Veitur Utilities called on KLINGER to develop a solution that offered minimal water effect on the pipe during closing while still meeting the customer’s requirements. With the help of sales partner Varma & Vélaverk, KLINGER performed the necessary calculations to determine the appropriate product to meet Veitur’s needs.

 

KLINGER Ballostar KHA (left) and KLINGER Ballostar KHI (right)

The Ballostar KHI DN600 valves were fitted with a special Auma actuator setup including battery packs ensuring the correct closing time under every condition. With the completion of Veitur’s project, then, KLINGER cemented Ballostar valves as a flexible family of products achieving success throughout Iceland, suitable to meet multiple specialized geothermal and district heating needs for both public and private use.

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