The test facility is now more efficient than ever 

Installation of a large nitrogen tank and a new pipe system.

The modifications to the HEROSE test lab can already be seen from the outside: the previous tank for nitrogen with a capacity of 3,500 litres was replaced by a larger one with three times the volume – a new, vacuum-insulated pipe system also ensures that less nitrogen evaporates on the way to the test bench due to heat input. Matthias Reinhardt, Head of Customer Service and the test lab: "With the previous, smaller tank, the trailer came up to three times a week at peak times, now it is enough for the tank to be refilled every ten to 14 days. In addition, the filling time for the pre-cooled container has been reduced by 60 percent."

Matthias Reinhardt on the reasons for the increasing nitrogen demand: "With the entry of HEROSE as a supplier of valves for LNG-powered ships, additional requirements of the classification societies for the testing of valves have arisen." Consequence: the cryogenic test lab accompanying production – the responsible representative is Lothar Lindau (see extra report) – is increasingly busy.

The regulations require that 10 percent of the total valves of an order that are used in shipbuilding must be tested for tightness and function under cryogenic conditions – and this for each nominal size. Reinhardt: "The results of these tests are documented by us and supplied to the customer along with all other certificates." In addition to the production accompanying cryogenic test lab, the new nitrogen tank also serves the traditional development test lab, where, among other things, type tests are carried out according to DIN EN 1626 and ISO 28921, through by 2,000 opening and closing cycles. 

Matthias Reinhardt: "When building the supply line from the tank to the test lab, we rely on our new FullX Valve. This valve is a new HEROSE development for vacuum-insulated piping systems. It is characterised, among other things by the long service life of the cryogenic fluids, heat input and quick and costeffective maintenance without loss of vacuum." A total of four FullX Valves are used. Reinhardt: "Now with our test lab we are well placed to meet the requirements of the future."