Rochdale-based Holroyd Precision Components (
www.holroyd.com) recently began to supply the ultra-precision carbon-steel helical-rotor pairs that will be used in the ‘steam screw expanders’ produced at Heliex Power Ltd’s East Kilbride facility.
This is the culmination of a relationship that began in 2010, when Heliex CEO Dan Wright asked Holroyd to prototype rotors designed in conjunction with City University London (a recognised ‘centre of excellence’ in screw compressor technology).
Holroyd sales manager Simon Rhodes says: “Heliex Power is set to become a world leader in steam screw expanders and their use in the recovery of energy from industrial processes.
"Our involvement to date has ranged from profile manipulation to materials and coatings development to help establish the optimum solution for Heliex’s expander rotors. Throughout the course of this work, we have created a number of rotor prototypes for testing by Heliex.”
A large number of industrial processes release ‘low-grade’ heat that can be used to generate electricity through the efficient expansion of wet steam. “The opportunities for Heliex’s expanders are considerable. They include: pressure valve replacement in food, paper, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and other processes; bio-mass and bio-gas installations; diesel and gas engine exhaust gases; and process flue gases. We look forward to continuing to assist Heliex, as the awareness of their technology grows.”