PROJECT RESULTS
We have successfully achieved the target to develop a mixproof sanitary bi-directional regulating process valve with a novel sealing solution with superior performance and an expected lifetime exceeding other valves. We have also verified that under flow conditions normal in the sanitary industry there is no cavitation in the process valve (even with very high flow restriction) thanks to the new seal design.
All though not foreseen in the Annex, we have been able to protect the complete valve system with a PCT-application. The written opinion (International patent authorities) is positive. All claims appear to be eligible.
We have designed a concept for a complete valve program based on a modular design and a total of only four actuators (two types with two-stroke lengths). We will be able to reduce a normal valve program by 90%.
The complete software package for interfacing with any bus system has been developed, and we have ensured that full data acquisition is possible allowing us to offer remote monitoring and surveillance to the customer.
EXPLOITABLE RESULTS
The technology behind HYDRACTVAL has proved to be precise, reliable and affordable. It can without further delay be exploited throughout the sanitary industry, because the valve we have developed is universal and because the actuator can be retrofitted to any valve band or type.
Since the technology is so universal, giving CNC precision to any application, we can – alone or - in cooperation with partners, engineer and commercialise solutions for other industries like Firefighting, entrepreneurial machines, industrial robots, oil & Gas and the entire ATEX area.
Our short-term priority is to secure a safe start of the business until the proof of business is so strong that long-term plans and cooperation’s with partners or industrial investors can be established.
HOW TO EXPLOIT THE RESULTS
The first commercial orders from Carlsberg has provided real proof of business in competition with other valve manufacturers. We have potential distributors and systems supplied lined up waiting for our proof of business and the showcases to present to potential customers. In the short-term, we will pursue the possibilities we have for getting the business started.
In the first phase, we will be using some third world supplied because of their agility and lower response time compared with European suppliers. We are however in the process of establishing a more European Supply Chain to keep as much of the component manufacturing and all of the development, assembly and test within Europe.
It is more of a priority for KMR to be a technology company with a focus on technology and development than on being the sole manufacturer of process valves. It is however considered to be important to think global, and we believe that through international partnerships we will be able to find the right balance between centralising the operation and covering the global market.
When looking outside the sanitary industry, the approach will be the same; the focus will be on the technology with as much manufacturing and engineering as possible, but with a realistic approach towards globalisation and the nature of the partners for the specific technical area.
We have developed a precision technology with numeric control. Apart from exploiting the technology into other industries, it will be obvious to putting HYDRACT into the context of Big data / Industry 4.0. This will be the next big step.
