Customer Magazine of

Transcription

AG15IM013AE201209
02/12
OFFICINE MARIO DORIN S.P.A.:
REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING
TECHNOLOGY SINCE 100 YEARS Page 20
HOERBIGER COMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY:
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN
Page 42
LATIN AMERICA
MND GAS STORAGE:
NO BREAK FOR
COMPRESSORS
Page 52
ŽANDOV, CZECH REPUBLIC [50° 43’ N, 14° 24’ E]
EDITORIAL
Ladies and gentlemen,
02
Innovation and responsible corporate management—these have been the
guiding principles of Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. since the company was
founded approximately a century ago. In this issue of HOERBIGER@MOTION,
we introduce you to this manufacturer of refrigeration and air-conditioning
compressors, which to this day has remained a family-run business.
Like many of our customers, the reason behind Dorin’s partnership with
HOERBIGER is not only the quality of the components we supply, but also
and in particular the respect and appreciation which the customer and
supplier display when it comes to designing new solutions at an early
development stage.
The situation is similar for our business relationship with Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation (SAIC). While the structure of one of the
largest automobile manufacturers in Asia clearly differs from those of a
medium-sized specialty machine manufacturer, it is also proximity and
dependability in the development of new synchronizer systems as well as
quality and reliability in production and logistics that count in this relationship.
issue, we introduce you to Daniel Vazquez, an employee who together with
his team developed and very successfully implemented a new service 03
model for the oil and gas industry.
At HOERBIGER, we are interested in creative, entrepreneurially thinking
minds that develop new ideas and then implement them, clearly and with
structure.
In this issue, we feature Martin Lachmann, who at HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH in Schongau consults our customer Officine Mario Dorin
S.p.A.; Leo Feng, Key Account Manager at HOERBIGER Drive Technology
Asia Pacific who attends to SAIC; Remy Hoerdt, Key Account Manager for
KSB in France; Pavel Hafner, the Service Partner for MND Gas Storage in
the Czech Republic, and Daniel Vazquez, Business Development Manager
at HOERBIGER Service Latin America Inc., who developed a new business
model—they are all representative of HOERBIGER employees who in
cooperation with you, our customers, actively tackle new challenges time
and again.
Wherever we operate around the world—be it at Dorin in Italy or SAIC in
China—we always attach utmost importance to being close to our customers.
ŽANDOV, CZECH REPUBLIC: For more than 40 years, HOERBIGER has
offered service solutions for reciprocating compressors, engines and
turbomachines and has an extensive presence in all regions in which
the oil, gas, and process industries operate, including in the Czech
Republic and Slovakia. HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. produces valves and
key components in the city bearing the same name and additionally
is one of the leading service providers in both countries. (Page 57)
This also holds true for KSB in France and MND Gas Storage in the Czech
Republic, two additional very interesting companies we present in this customer magazine. During the joint development as well as in service, it is important to us that we take our customers’ concerns seriously, recognize
their needs early on and develop solutions that make a lasting contribution
to the customers’ added value.
To achieve this, we repeatedly develop new, tailor-made business models.
One example of a business model which is both innovative and customeroriented is the Wellhead Compression Project in Latin America. In this
Dr. Martin Komischke
CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board
HOERBIGER Holding AG
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36
PHOTO: sAIC
28
PHOTO: Ralf Baumgarten
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16
PHOTO: HOeRBIGeR
CONTENT ISSUE 2/12
58
PHOTO: fotolia
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PHOTO: Manfred Klimek
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PHOTO: HOeRBIGeR
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42
COMPIOBBI/FLORENCE, ITALY [43° 47’ N, 11° 21’ E]
05
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
[34° 36’ S, 58° 23’ W]
UHŘICE,
UH
ICE, CZECH REPUBLIC [49° 10’ N, 17° 4’ E]
SHORTCUTS: DREAM CONVERTIBLES ARE THE STARS AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON // HOERBIGER AT MEDICA 2012: HYDRAULIC DRIVE
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY REFRIGERATION AND
SOLUTIONS FOR PATIENT POSITIONING // GAS MACHINERY CONFERENCE 2012: PLATFORM FOR EXPERTS // AWARD FOR HOERBIGER INDIA //
AIR-CONDITIONING TECHNOLOGY
PAGE
HOERBIGER AT “TURBOMACHINERY AND PUMP USERS SYMPOSIUM” // HOERBIGER SMARTCONTROL PDA: UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL FOR TESTING AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS // SELFLESS EFFORT: HOERBIGER EMPLOYEES RESCUE WOMAN FROM SINKING CAR // HOERBIGER 2011/12 YEAR-
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN LATIN AMERICA
20
PAGE
42
BOOK: TOP MARKS FOR “TOP PERFORMERS” // HOERBIGER FOR THE FIRST TIME AT POGEE IN PAKISTAN
NEW WEBSITE
PAGE 16
PAGE 6
EUROBLECH 2012 IN HANNOVER: HOERBIGER ePRAX—THE eDRIVE REVOLUTION
HOERBIGER LAUNCHES
PAGE 28
KSB S.A.S.
MND GAS STORAGE IN UHŘICE:
FRANCE: MECHATRONICS À LA CARTE
GAS: 24 HOURS A DAY, 365 DAYS A YEAR—
SUCCESS STORY PAGE 36 HOERBIGER eHydroCOM: A GROUNDBREAKING CONTROL SYSTEM FOR RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS PAGE 48
NO BREAK FOR COMPRESSORS
PAGE
52
PAGE 30
SHANGHAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY (GROUP) CORPORATION: CHINA’S AUTOMOTIVE
BCD RINGS: LESS WEAR, LONG SERVICE LIFE, LOWER EMISSIONS
PAGE 50
04
LIBEREC: INDUSTRIAL REGION WITH CHARM
PAGE 58
Top performance thanks to HOERBIGER technology.
HOERBIGER at MEDICA 2012
The hydraulic roof drive ensured that no unnecessary
HYDRAULIC DRIVE SOLUTIONS FOR
PATIENT POSITIONING
noise stole Jessie J’s show.
With the Column Trend Line (CTL), HOERBIGER (Hall 14, Booth D20)
will feature an innovative product in the field of hydraulic drive
solutions for patient positioning from November 14 to 17, 2012
at the MEDICA in Düsseldorf.
PHOTO: HOERBIGER
DREAM CONVERTIBLES ARE THE STARS
AT THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN LONDON
It was a spectacular performance for Rolls-Royce at the
Olympic Games in London: during the closing ceremony
on August 13, British stars Jessie J, Taio Cruz and Tinie
Tempah performed “A Symphony of British Music” as
part of the event televised around the world, using three
Phantom Series II Drophead Coupes as their stage.
spectator area in the Dropheads. The stars only became visible at the
center of the stadium when the soft tops opened hydraulically—driven
silently by hydraulic convertible top drives made by HOERBIGER Automotive Komfortsysteme GmbH. This was a highlight of the show with no
room for error.
TexT: Peter Schwerdtmann · Ludwig Schönefeld
The hydraulic top drive for the Phantom Series II Drophead Coupe is one
of the most powerful roof drives made by HOERBIGER. Six hydraulic
cylinders open and close the soft top, exactly synchronized, in less than 25
seconds. In addition to the hydraulic top drives for the coupes, HOERBIGER
Automotive Komfortsysteme GmbH also supplies hydraulic door drives for
Rolls-Royce. They facilitate gracious opening and closing—which was also
a particular detail that benefited the British stars during the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in London—albeit unknowingly.
PHOTOs: auto-medienportal.net · Rolls-Royce · dpa
S
pecially trained Rolls-Royce employees drove the three vehicles,
which were handmade at Rolls-Royce’s headquarters in Goodwood. The appearance of the three vehicles was a historical
moment for Rolls-Royce. For the first time in the company’s 108-year history, the British luxury vehicles were featured with a newly designed badge
which did not include the traditional double-R logo. The new grille emblem
features the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy with the Union Flag replacing the
traditional flowing gown.
In addition to the traditional laurel wreath, the centers of the steering
wheels of the three Dropheads also featured a torch and the lettering
“London 2012,” framed by the Olympic motto, “citius, altius, fortius”
(“faster, higher, stronger”). The emblems were supplemented with special sill plates denoting the vehicles’ “One of Three” status. All elements
were designed by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke team. Only three cars were
made, which should make them the most sought-after (and most inaccessible) collectible Rolls-Royce Bespoke has ever manufactured. Hidden from view, Jessi J, Taio Cruz and Tinie Tempah first drove through the
HOERBIGER Micro Fluid is a specialist for customized solutions in the field
of microhydraulic systems. Its portfolio encompasses tailor-made hydraulic components, electronic controllers and complete lifting columns for operating tables, together with guide mechanisms. This year, the Column
Trend Line, or CTL, will be the primary focus at the completely redesigned
trade show booth. The CTL lifting column was successfully featured in
April at the CMEF in Shenzhen, China, and is now scheduled to be
launched in Europe. The new lifting column was developed in the low to
medium patient weight market segment and for low heights. This complements HOERBIGER’s modular “patient
handling” solutions for high and now
also low patient weights, based on
hydraulic components, hydraulic systems as well as mechatronic lifting
columns for operating tables in all
global markets.
the first time with the redesigned emblem without the double R-R.
At the end of August, HOERBIGER
India Private Ltd. received the
“National Award for Excellence in
Energy Management 2012” for the
continuous HydroCOM control system in Hyderabad, India. The award
is presented by the Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII). The HydroCOM System has therefore been
assessed as the “Most Innovative
Energy Saving Product.”
A total of 17 companies competed in the “Energy Saving Category,” seven of which made it to
the shortlist and were invited to the
presentation. HOERBIGER was ultimately among the four finalists 06
and was able to achieve one of the
07
coveted awards.
Thanks to state-of-the-art mechatronics, the innovative HydroCOM
system made by HOERBIGER allows fast and precise control of reciprocating compressors without
power loss. HydroCOM thus makes
a contribution to saving energy
and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. With approximately 800 installations so far, the system is very
successful internationally.
The new CTL lifting column was
developed in the low to medium
The new Phantom Series II Drophead Coupe from Rolls Royce was featured for
AWARD FOR HOERBIGER INDIA
patient weight segment. It is one of
the highlights of the HOERBIGER
booth.
GAS MACHINERY CONFERENCE 2012:
PLATFORM FOR EXPERTS
The Gas Machinery Conference
takes place in Austin, Texas, from
September 30 to October 3. With
an emphasis on the operation,
maintenance, and testing of gas
compression machinery, the conference draws approximately
1,000 design engineers, facility
engineers, technicians and others
to educational sessions and networking opportunities. The conference will include three days of
technical training and presenta-
tions. The 2012 program offers
13 short courses, 38 technical papers (5 from HOERBIGER) and 13
new technology updates (3 from
HOERBIGER). HOERBIGER’s exhibit will be a showcase of new
ideas and technologies that
reduce engine emissions and
greenhouse gas emissions. Since
the conference’s conception in
the late 1980s, HOERBIGER has
sponsored the Tuesday morning
breakfast.
HOERBIGER AT “TURBOMACHINERY
AND PUMP USERS SYMPOSIUM”
HOERBIGER will once again exhibit at the 41st Turbomachinery/
Pump Users Symposium at the
George R. Brown Convention Center on September 24-27, 2012.
HOERBIGER has been a long-time
supporter of the event which is
sponsored annually by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas
A&M University.
Annually, the event draws about
6,000 attendees with experience
in the petrochemical, process,
chemical, and utility industries.
The technical program promotes
professional development, technology transfer, peer networking, and
information exchange among industry professionals.
The symposium features lectures, tutorials, case studies, discussion groups, and short courses,
as well as exhibits of the latest rotating equipment, components,
and services. HOERBIGER representatives will meet with existing
and prospective customers to
demonstrate how its technologies
like RecipCOM, HydroCOM, compressor components and turbomachinery rebuild services improve
the reliability and performance of
their equipment.
HOERBIGER SMARTCONTROL PDA
UNIVERSAL REMOTE CONTROL FOR
TESTING AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
It offers versatile configuration options and is highly
mobile and extremely robust: the new HOERBIGER
SmartControl PDA remote control featuring a touchscreen and integrated barcode scanner simplifies the
work of testing and instrument technicians. The device has been in production since August of this year
and it is available around the world.
The SmartControl PDA developed by HOERBIGER
Elektronik GmbH in Ammerbuch, Germany, allows
easy remote control of all HOERBIGER testing and
diagnostic systems of the Porty, ISTL and ISTK product
groups. The device in PDA format additionally controls
WLAN-capable PC systems as needed.
The SmartControl PDA is equipped with a wide
variety of software applications. Because of its high
configurability, it can be optimally tailored to the
customer’s specific needs. Its touch-sensitive 3.5-inch
display guides the user reliably through the testing
process.
The touchscreen, the integrated database and the
barcode scanner for reading product or unit numbers
make the SmartControl PDA an all-in-one mobile device. It offers flexibility in its use for technical testing,
diagnosis and monitoring. Possible fields of application
include industry, medical engineering, the automotive
industry, mining and logistics.
For tough everyday use, the SmartControl PDA is
equipped with an especially robust housing featuring
an integrated radio antenna. A protective rubber edge
helps to prevent damage if the unit is dropped.
The HOERBIGER SmartControl
PDA is an all-in-one device for
mobile use.
Selfless Effort
HOERBIGER EMPLOYEES
SINKING CAR
Weeks of rainfalls during the month of July resulted in
extensive flooding in the region surrounding Houston,
Texas, USA. A young woman underestimated the
danger. On her way to work, she drove her vehicle into a flooded underpass and nearly
drowned trapped in her car. She was lucky:
Cristobal Lobo and Walter Villalobos, both
employees in the Molding Department of
HOERBIGER’s Houston site, happened to
pass by and rescued the woman just in
time. They demonstrated responsibility
and courage—and embodied two of HOERBIGER’s corporate values.
TexT: Keith Farnham · Tim Wohlfarth
PHOTOs: Tom C. Robison · HOERBIGER
W
e did not think twice and immediately
responded,”
Cristobal
Lobo recalls. The 23-year-old
HOERBIGER employee and his colleague Walter Villalobos were coming back from their lunch break
when they observed the young
woman driving directly toward the
flooded underpass. “We thought
she would stop, but she just continued on,” 21-year-old Walter Villalobos
recounts.
Since both are very familiar with the area,
they knew how high the water in the underpass can rise during rainfall. And they
were right: the vehicle sank in the water
with the woman inside, and the driver
was not able to free herself.
Lobo and Villalobos reacted instinctively,
jumped into the water and with the help of
a third man, they pulled the helpless
RESCUE WOMAN FROM
Walter Villalobos (left) and
Cristobal Lobo were in the right
place at the right time.
driver through the open side window. It was just in
time, considering that by then the water was
already more than 1.60 meters (over 5
feet) high—and continued to rise unabatedly. When the first responders
arrived, the car was almost completely flooded. Had Cristobal
Lobo and Walter Villalobos
not responded so quickly,
this likely would have
been a catastrophe.
The irony of the story is
that the incident happened on Friday the
13th. For the young
woman, it was effectively a
lucky day. While her vehicle is lost,
she escaped with no more than a
scare—thanks to Cristobal Lobo and
Walter Villalobos.
Incidentally, the two HOERBIGER
employees at first did not mention
a word about their effort. After they
made sure that the woman was
doing well, they started out on their
way back to work—drenched as
they were. It was only when a
supervisor asked why they were so
soaked that the story came to light.
HOERBIGER 2011/12 YEARBOOK
TOP MARKS FOR
“TOP PERFORMERS”
Top marks for “Top Performers.” The panel of
judges of the International
ARC Awards, the most
significant
competition
worldwide for annual reports, in New York again
gave the HOERBIGER
Yearbook top marks: Gold
in the “Photography” category, Gold in the “Printing & Production” category, Silver in the “Interior Design” category, Bronze in the “Written Text” category,
and Honors for the Chairman’s Letter. The coveted
awards were presented in New York on September 20,
2012. The ARC (Annual Report Competition) Award is
the most prominent competition for annual reports
worldwide. The judging panel, under the direction of the
International Academy of Arts & Science, Ossining, NY,
USA, is staffed by distinguished communications experts with global ties from the fields of investor relations,
public relations, journalism and design.
HOERBIGER FOR THE FIRST TIME
AT POGEE IN PAKISTAN
For the very first time, HOERBIGER KT Asia Services
Pte Ltd (HKTAS), has participated in POGEE, held in
Karachi in May 2012. The Pakistan Oil, Gas & Energy
Exhibition & Conference (POGEE) is the most important event of the oil and gas industry in Pakistan. The
exhibition was officially opened by Dr Farooq Sattar,
foreign minister for Pakistan, at Karachi Expo Centre
on May 8, 2012. The three days’ event provided a platform for exhibitors from Pakistan and the region to
showcase different technology of the oil & gas industry
and was visited by more than 8,000 industry experts.
HOERBIGER showcased the latest innovations of
HOERBIGER Compression Technology such as
HydroCOM and BCD rings with emphasis on energy
saving.
Bonnam Koo (left) and Nikolaus Lubega (third from left)
from HOERBIGER KT Asia Services Pte. Ltd. accept a
The photographs of the
site of the accident taken
with a mobile phone highlight how continuous rainfall can quickly turn an underpass into a dangerous
trap. Here the location
before ...
... and after the rain. The woman’s
token of appreciation from Akhtar Shazad, General Manager
car was completely under water.
of the trade show organizer Pegasus.
08
09
The headquarters of Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. in Compiobbi produces an average of approximately 4,000 compressors per month. PHOTO: Ralf Baumgarten
COMPIOBBI/FLORENCE, ITALY: Whenever efficient refrigeration is required—be it in trade or industry,
in railroad traffic or on the road—technologically sophisticated compressors made by Dorin are the first
choice in Italy. The family-owned business has manufactured compressors for approximately 80 years.
Thanks to the collaboration with HOERBIGER, which began in the 1990s, the machines are very reliable.
Marketing Manager Giovanni Dorin says: “They are as good as perfect.” (Page 20)
COMPIOBBI/FLORENCE, ITALY [43° 47’ N, 11° 21’ E]
010
011
The mobile HOERBIGER gas compressors are used even in the most remote regions. PHOTO: Ralf Baumgarten
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA: Argentina’s prosperity is based to a large extent on the enormous
natural sources. However, oil and gas deposits continually decrease. With the Wellhead Compression
Project, HOERBIGER has created an option to continue to utilize even mature wells. The project uses
mobile gas compressors to artificially stimulate the flow of resources from the reservoir—a business
model with a future. (Page 42)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA [34° 36’ S, 58° 23’ W]
012
013
The Uhřice reservoir is located amidst Litenčice Hills in the Czech Republic. MND Gas Storage operates a natural gas storage facility there in a former gas field. PHOTO: Manfred Klimek
UHŘICE, CZECH REPUBLIC: MND Gas Storage is operating an underground gas storage facility in Uhřice,
Czech Republic. For almost ten years now, gas has been compressed around the clock and delivered
through wells located at depths of close to two kilometers (1.25 miles) in the immediate vicinity of the
Austrian and Slovakian borders. A close partnership has existed with HOERBIGER through the Žandov
branch ever since the storage facility was commissioned. Trust is essential in this partnership, as the
HOERBIGER products play a central role in Uhřice: they ensure the safety and reliability of the compressors
operated by MND Gas Storage. (Page 52)
014
015
UHŘ
ŘICE, CZECH REPUBLIC [49° 10’ N, 17° 4’ E]
HOERBIGER LAUNCHES
NEW WEBSITE
On September 3, 2012, HOERBIGER launched its new
website. The www.hoerbiger.com site was completely
redesigned. It is based on the latest web technology and
replaces HOERBIGER’s website created in 2006. At the
same time, it provides new impetus for the dialog with
TexT: Jens Geisel · sCReeNsHOTs: HOERBIGER
the customer.
Visit our new
Website:
www.hoerbiger.com
e Group play an
The employees of th
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A
key objective of the new development was to make the updated general
information technology of the past few years, such as higher bandwidths and new development tools, usable for the HOERBIGER site.
The maxim for the project was: Through the intelligent use of innovative technology, HOERBIGER meets the information needs of customers, business
partners and competitors better than ever before.
Succinct Information, Personalized Product Range
On the home page of the new HOERBIGER website, alternating starting sequences provide information about product highlights, trade show activities
and news from all Strategic Business Units. The four key navigation items
“Products and Services,” “People and Values,” “Company” and “Performance
Stories” allow visitors to enter the HOERBIGER online world in a targeted manner. Relevant information is never more than three mouse clicks away. The
presentation of the product and service information follows a uniform design.
It accommodates visitors who want to explore the site in-depth, but quickly.
The most important facts on products and services can be grasped at one
glance. A brief list of unique selling propositions is followed by concise informational text, which is supplemented on the product pages by tables containing the technical details. The photography concept of the new website employs
a combination of product photography, application photos and employee
portraits. This creates product worlds that convey to the visitor a concrete
image of HOERBIGER’s technology, yet places emphasis on people as the
drivers of technological progress.
A direct line to
product
HOERBIGER: all
contact
e
th
pages contain
sales
e
th
information for
.
ge
ar
managers in ch
People come first
Another new feature is that HOERBIGER lists contact persons in the product
and service section as well as on the career pages. “We demonstrate closeness to the customer. Visitors to the website receive the desired information
quickly and conveniently,” says Ludwig Schönefeld, Head of Corporate Communications at HOERBIGER.
Modern Technology for a better Web Experience
A highlight of the web technology that is employed is the targeted output of
content based on Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Every Internet user has
such an address when surfing the web. Based on the IP address transmitted
by the user’s browser, the HOERBIGER website detects the region from which
a page is accessed. The system then automatically supplies the user with content that is relevant for the current location. This so-called geotargeting controls the language output, for example, or the display of contact persons and
product information.
016
017
And there is good news for all mobile surfers: all pages of the new web presence are designed so that they can be accessed on tablet PCs of the latest
generation. With this, HOERBIGER takes the unabated trend toward mobile
Internet use into account.
On all Channels: HOERBIGER across all Media
Movies are a fundamental component of HOERBIGER’s online communication. Film sequences are embedded on numerous product, service and corporate pages and are output around the globe with maximum performance via a
high-capacity network. The video portal of the new HOERBIGER website contains professionally produced clips. The clips draw a genuine picture of the
HOERBIGER Group, its products and services and, last but not least, the people who define HOERBIGER.
HOERBIGER pursues a cross-media approach by integrating the Performance
Stories in the new web presence. The stories are online-optimized adaptations
of current features from the customer magazine HOERBIGER@MOTION. The
Performance Stories demonstrate HOERBIGER’s expertise in the oil, gas, and
process industries, as a partner to the automotive industry, and in the
mechanical and plant engineering industry.
018
019
Home page.
Alternating starting
sequences provide
information about
news from the
company.
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Product page.
Related products are
combined in a well-
HOERBIGER website undergoing change
organized design.
Video portal.
The video portal
allows HOERBIGER
to be experienced in
its entire diversity.
website till 2006
website till 2012
website since 2012
Online communication is a fast-paced medium: in just a few years, the technological options have fundamentally changed.
The new HOERBIGER website therefore relies on state-of-the-art web technology.
Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A.
www.dorin.com
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
REFRIGERATION AND AIRCONDITIONING TECHNOLOGY
The Dorin family has been dedicated to developing and manufacturing refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment for almost 100 years. To this day, the success is driven by innovation and responsible corporate management.
The company, which is now run by the fourth generation of the Dorin family, today operates worldwide in the
refrigeration industry—and does so very successfully, especially when it comes to carbon dioxide compressors.
In this market segment, the family business from Compiobbi near Florence is a global leader.
TExT: Alessandra Fraschini · PHOTOs: Ralf Baumgarten
020
021
A stock of crankcases awaiting the next steps.
“The most important thing is that
our products are always perfect.”
Mario Dorin, founder of Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A.
T
he story of Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A.
began in 1918, when Mario Dorin’s
passion and intuition prompted him
to invest in the mechanical engineering field and build machine
tools, air compressors and liquid pumps. Soon
thereafter, the refrigeration field offered the
most interesting development prospects. After
1932, the company started to build compressors and refrigeration systems. Originally, production revolved around open-type compressors. After 1957, when Giovanni Dorin, an
engineer, joined the team, the company for the
first time also planned the development of semihermetic compressors for air-conditioning and
refrigeration.
The seventies were marked by strong growth
and intensive trade activities, which were pursued by son Mario. At the beginning of the
1990s, the first compressors with inverters were
built. While cooling compressors were operated
at a constant speed until then, the inverter controlled the rotational speed as a function of the
required refrigeration output. At the same time
they were developing compressors with inverters, Dorin also developed the first compressors
operated with carbon dioxide as the refrigerant.
Dorin mainly focused on the transcritical properties of carbon dioxide. The higher compression
pressure poses a particular design challenge.
The first few years of the new millennium were
shaped by the launch of the second generation
of compressors for transcritical applications (CD
series). The product range was also systematically expanded for the inverter applications (HI
series). At the same time as these developments, the company expanded the production
of compressors operated with traditional refrigerants. For example, the new HEP ECOpremium
product line was created, which uses the R134a
refrigerant. In conjunction with the CDS com-
pressors, which operate subcritically with carbon
dioxide, this new series is optimally suited for
cascade applications. Recently, Dorin has sent
another signal in favor of the continued development of environmentally compatible refrigeration
and air-conditioning technology, and notably for
the use of environmentally compatible refrigerants, with its HEX series, which also uses hydrocarbons such as propane as the refrigerant.
4,000 Compressors per Month
At the corporate headquarters in Compiobbi
near Florence, Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. presently has more than 100 administration and production employees. The average production
output is 4,000 compressors per month. Over
the last few years, Dorin was able to expand significantly. Thanks to a tireless dedication to the
business, the family enterprise is now active
around the globe. Approximately 70 percent of
the approximately 35 million euros in sales is
generated outside Italy. An important strategic
step was the founding of a commercial agency
in China. Shanghai Dorin Compressors Ltd.
operates in the Asian market—primarily in

China—and affords the company considerable
logistical advantages. In addition to the trade
business, Dorin plans to set up an assembly line
of its own in China in the coming months in an
effort to be even closer to the Asian customers
in terms of assembly, delivery and service.
Reliability under Extreme Conditions
Since the company was founded by Mario D
orin,
quality has been an integral part of the corporate philosophy: “The most important thing is
that our products are always perfect,” founder
Mario Dorin would say to his staff in the early
years, and to this day business partners can expect reliable and technologically perfect compressors for their cooling and air-conditioning
needs from Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A.—especially under extreme conditions.
Even leading up to a new contract, maintenance
and repair services as well as customer service
are top priorities at Dorin. During the fitting
phase, machines for special applications are individually tailored to the customer’s needs.
Aside from these custom solutions, the extensive product range also encompasses numerous
standard compressors. Dorin offers comprehensive customer service, which its business
partners value, especially when it comes to
overhauling and repairing compressors. Officine
Mario Dorin S.p.A. trusts in reliable partners
during development as well as the production of
the compressors. One example is the longstanding relationship with HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH in Schongau, Germany.
The company has supplied fully assembled reed
valves for Dorin’s compressors for many years.
022
Testing the compressor at maximum pressure.
023
2012: Year of Innovations
In an effort to maintain the company’s growth
rate of the previous years, Dorin relies on continuous innovation and the dedication of the team
of merchants and technicians. By making significant investments, Dorin managed to revise key
portions of the product range over the last few
years and offer even more efficient models of
the compressor series in 2012. The subcritical
CDS series for cascade and booster applications
was completely redesigned to improve the efficiency. Because of its progressive technology,
the CD series continues to be regarded as the
leading product for transcritical applications in
the international marketplace. One aspect in the
new development was the pressure control
valves newly developed by HOERBIGER. Because of their consistent functionality over the
entire service life, they guarantee the system’s
operational reliability and consequently the lasting quality of the refrigerated product. The HI
series featuring inverters, which was launched
in 2002, can be operated in a broad frequency
range of 20 to 90 Hertz. The most impressive
The electrical panels are installed on the compressors.
Here the pistons are assembled.
HOERBIGER supplies central components such as reed valves and
features of these HI compressors include high
efficiency, low wear and vibration-free operation.
Solutions for Extreme Conditions
The new HEX series is used primarily for applications with flammable refrigerants such as traditional hydrocarbons or propane. The compressors are designed specifically for hazardous and
flammable environments. The new two-stage
2SH compressors equipped with four or six cylinders. are especially innovative Their key design
feature is the integrated gas flow management.
Because of the lower number of gaskets and connections, this compact solution minimizes leaks.
The HEP ECOpremium compressors employ new
technical solutions to boost the efficiency of sys-
tems which use R134a as the refrigerant. For this
purpose, Dorin has optimized the compressor for
low condensation temperatures of up to 10
degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit)—for

example by using valve plates specially devel
oped by HOERBIGER.
valve plates.
At present, the headquarters in Compiobbi has more than 100 administration and production employees.
The site produces approximately 4,000 compressors a month.
DORIN AND HOERBIGER:
A valuable Partnership
024
025
Dorin and HOERBIGER have worked together for almost two decades. The
partnership dates back to the mid-1990s and has continually intensified thanks
to mutual respect and appreciation. The valves are an important but critical
component of the compressor. The more the standards evolved in this technological niche, the more Dorin considered it necessary to turn to a specialist for
developing the valve technology. Dorin decided in favor of HOERBIGER
because of their valve expertise. When Dorin plans new compressors today,
the Florence company relies heavily on HOERBIGER components.
INTERVIEW: Alessandra Fraschini · PHOTOs: Ralf Baumgarten
PART
The valve plates used by Dorin for the production of refrigeration and airconditioning compressors are supplied by HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH in Schongau, Germany. The reed valves are considered to be the
most important part of the compressors: they are precision components,
and their performance strongly influences the performance of the customers’ machines. HOERBIGER supplies the reed valves as a complete module. The reeds, which are produced from high-strength spring band steel,
must be both robust and elastic to achieve a long service life. Additionally,
the component geometry must be optimally tailored to the use of the end
product.
and cooling applications since 1957. Today, these form the company’s core
business. Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. offers an entire range of semihermetic
and open-type compressors to its global customers—allowing the company to ideally respond to the requirements of the markets. The product spectrum includes more than 70 models ranging from 0.4 HP to 150 HP for use
with both CFC and HCFC refrigerants. A number of two-stage compressors
as well as an extensive range of accessories round out the product portfolio.
Dorin is certified according to ISO 9001-2000 (LRC 170322) by Lloyd’s
Register Quality Assurance. All compressors comply with the European
standards EN 292-1/-2, EN 294, EN 60204, prEN 349, EN 60529, IEC
336-1 and IEC 335-2-34.
www.dorin.com
www.hoerbiger.com
PART OF
Dorin was founded in 1918 as a manufacturer of machine tools, air compressors and liquid pumps. It also offered repairs of motor vehicle engines.
In 1932, the company began to build compressors and refrigeration systems. Dorin has produced semihermetic compressors for air-conditioning
PARTNERSHIP
Dorin and HOERBIGER have worked successfully together on the development of valve systems since the mid-1990s. Dorin selected HOERBIGER,
a worldwide innovation, technology and market leader in valve technology, primarily because of the development expertise and reliability of the
products.
HOERBIGER@MOTION spoke with Giovanni
Dorin, Marketing Manager of Officine Mario
Dorin S.p.A., Mauro Dallai, Technical Director, and Giacomo Pisano, Brand Manager
CO2, to learn more about the partnership
between Dorin and HOERBIGER.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: Doctor Dorin, what
was the basis on which the partnership
between Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. and

HOERBIGER was created?
Giovanni Dorin: Around the mid-1990s,
Dorin made the decision to look for a specialty supplier for the procurement of premium
and reliable valve reed and safety valves.
These are precision components, and their
performance strongly influences the performance of the compressors we build. They
must be both robust and exhibit flexural
fatigue strength at high rotational speeds.

They must also withstand varying conditions,
which differ depending on the refrigeration
that is used. HOERBIGER supplies Dorin with
the complete module, which is tailored to the
compressor type that is produced.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What new solutions do
you offer?
Giovanni Dorin: We are especially committed to
the use of carbon dioxide as a refrigerant and
accordingly advertise our compressors with the
“environmentally correct” label. For us, this is
the right step into the future. In addition, we
consider carbon dioxide to be the primary refrigerant in cascade systems.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What are your customers’ requirements?
Giovanni Dorin: Our partners demand a reliable
product and progressive technology, without
losing sight of the equipment’s consumption
and operating costs. Thanks to the commitment
of our research and development department,
we are in a position to guarantee this.
Giovanni Dorin, Marketing Manager
of Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What role does D
orin
play today in the market?
Giovanni Dorin: Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. is
among the circle of five market leaders—this
is due in particular to the specialized expertise with carbon dioxide compressors as well
as transcritical and subcritical applications
we have developed over the course of the
years. We are strengthening this market position through our exposure in the field of frequency modulation technology which we
have developed over the last ten years and
intensified especially with regard to energysaving systems. We have created a dedicated product line of compressors with inverter
technology. These products are geared to a
high degree toward the requests of our customers, without losing the focus on efficiency
and performance capability. This in particular has helped us evolve into a preferred partner of the railway industry.
products with greater efficiency. In addition, we
have expanded the range of products that operate with ecologically more compatible refrigerants. Dorin is a company that is strongly focused
on the protection of the environment and ecology. This is also the reason behind structural
changes that are imminent in our production
operation to improve the company’s energy efficiency.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What contribution does
HOERBIGER make that adds value?
Mauro Dallai: The components developed and
produced by HOERBIGER constitute value
added for our machines because they blend
quality that is recognized by the market with
our quality. These are components where the
primary factor does not revolve around the
price, but reliability. When we design new
products today, we use HOERBIGER standards
as a reference.
greatest. We count on this product line to
counteract the shrinking of the market. This
technologically sophisticated product requires
know-how. Europe plays an important role in
this regard because this is where we develop
top-notch solutions.
Using carbon dioxide as the refrigerant plays
an important role for our business for a variety
of reasons. In countries where traditional, HFC
or HCFC refrigerants are banned, carbon dioxide complies with the statutory requirements. In
other countries where traditional refrigerants
cannot be used, for example, chain stores campaign for the use of more environmentally compatible solutions in their marketing.
At Dorin, the range of compressors that are
operated with carbon dioxide accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of sales. We continue to see high growth in the future.
We also anticipate more significant developments in terms of efficiency and therefore in
Development Expertise
for Reed Valves
HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH, Schongau, Germany, is
HOERBIGER’s center of competence in the area of reed valves. Using
state-of-the-art simulation methods, a wide variety of valve systems
are developed in consultation with the customer. Despite multiple
application ranges and sizes, they all have one thing in common:
they make refrigeration and air-conditioning compressors efficient,
economical, reliable and especially long-lived.
Text: Simon Schmid · PhOTO: Hans-Helmut Herold
application must be taken into account
when developing a customized valve design,”
Lachmann emphasizes. Using special computation and simulation programs, HOERBIGER
experts determine and optimize both the movement properties and the valve reed opening and
closing behavior. A major competitive advantage
is HOERBIGER’s knowledge of materials and the
valve design know-how gained over the years.
“We advise our customers during all
product development stages, which
helps them to increase the performance
potential of their refrigeration and airconditioning compressors.”
Martin Lachmann, HOERBIGER
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What are your plans
in terms of export?
Giovanni Dorin: Previously, we exclusively
supplied our global customers from the Compiobbi plant in the Province of Florence. For
the continued development in the future, we
are building a production plant in Asia to be
able to offer our services there locally, close
to the customer. We intend to incrementally
open additional trade and/or production sites
in key countries where we, in our view, need
to be present.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What is your environmental policy?
Giovanni Dorin: Years ago, we made the
decision to invest our efforts in the research
and development of increasingly more efficient products, always searching for greater
energy efficiency. Over the course of the
years, we have succeeded in manufacturing
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What contribution does
HOERBIGER make to the growth of Officine
Mario Dorin S.p.A. in Italy and around the world?
Mauro Dallai: What matters to us is not just the
mere delivery of components. Active and efficient support when problems arise and cooperation during the advanced engineering phase
are all important when working together. Especially when it comes to valves for specialty compressors, such as the product range of the carbon dioxide compressors, we give preference to
HOERBIGER so that we can be assured of maximum reliability. In addition, personal relations
have also strengthened over time and are
marked by mutual respect and trust.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What is the significance
of the carbon dioxide compressor product range
in your portfolio?
Giacomo Pisano: The carbon dioxide series includes the equipment that is the latest and
environmental compatibility—greater refrigeration output with lower power consumption.
With approximately two decades of experience with carbon dioxide compressors, Dorin
offers a product range that is unrivalled on the
market. Dorin is a global leader of carbon dioxide equipment.
HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH in
Schongau is a partner of fundamental importance to us because the company supplies the
reed valves, the core of the compressor.
HOERBIGER offers everything we expect from
our suppliers: technical experience and support in development, quality, traceability and
high delivery performance.
It doesn’t matter whether they are used for cooling containers and supermarket product cases
or for air conditioning buildings. The Italian company Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A. supplies refrigeration and air-conditioning compressors for
various applications. The reed valve is the heart
of every refrigeration and air-conditioning compressor—regardless of whether the compressor
output is 15 or 150 kW.
“Considering the mode of operation, pressurecontrolled reed valves are of simple construction. Each valve, however, is specifically tailored
to the respective usage conditions of the compressor,” explains Martin Lachmann, Development Engineer and Key Accounter for Dorin at
HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik GmbH.
“In addition to the geometric design, the functional properties of the valve later on in the final
Martin Lachmann adds: “In order to ensure the
reliability of our valves, our engineers define not
only the design, but the spring rigidity of the
reeds, the valve lift and the borehole geometry.
The resulting flow rates are determined based
on the valve cross-sections. By reducing the
dead space and optimizing the flow geometries,
HOERBIGER develops a tailor-made valve system that offers great efficiency and a long service life for any application.”
In addition to valve performance, constant functionality must be guaranteed in everyday operation over the course of millions of intake and
compression cycles. Material fatigue must not
be an issue, especially for the reeds which are
subjected to pressure and vibrations.
“The HOERBIGER team develops all the components of a new valve system with utmost precision and in partnership with the customer
here, in Schongau’s Center of Competence,”
Martin Lachmann explains. “Our production
operation has very high vertical integration and
measures up to automotive standards when it
comes to quality management. Together with
our development department, they assure that
in the end the customer receives a customized
yet well-engineered product.”
026
027
Hannover Trade Show, October 23 to 27, 2012, Hall 12, Booth H30
HOERBIGER ePrAX—THE eDRIVE REVOLUTION
AT THE EUROBLECH 2012 IN HANNOVER
With the HOERBIGER ePrAX, an intelligent drive system for press brakes, HOERBIGER
will unveil one of the featured outstanding innovations at the EuroBLECH 2012.
The international trade show, which will be held from October 23 to 27, 2012 at
the Hannover Exhibition Center, is considered the leading sheet metal working exhibition worldwide. In 2012, approximately 1,400 exhibitors from 40 countries are
expected to participate. The focus of the 2012 trade show, which is anticipated to
draw approximately 60,000 visitors, will revolve around efficient technologies and
environmentally friendly production processes.
TexT: Ludwig Schönefeld · ReNDeRING: Wolfgang Garber, Eckstand
A
This is the latest design of the
high-performance Hybrid Direct
Drive Linear (HDDL) punch
drive.
The HOERBIGER Laser Gas
Regulator (LGR) is five times
faster than conventional
systems.
s a mechanical engineering
partner for application-oriented solutions HOERBIGER will
showcase itself at the EuroBLECH
2012: “In the Industrial Machinery
market segment, HOERBIGER offers
innovative solutions for demanding
niche markets in the mechanical
and plant engineering industry,” says
Katja Ebenhoch, Head of the Industrial Machinery Business Segment,
who also manages the HOERBIGER
booth. “The company benefits from
the know-how it has developed over
the decades relating to performance-defining hydraulic and piezopneumatic components and special
solutions.”
with its hydraulic gearbox.” The new
system will be reliable, clean and efficient in tough everyday operation—
and assure maximum precision of
press brakes.
HOERBIGER ePrAX—Maximum
Dynamics for Press Brakes
Innovative Technology for
Laser Cutting Machines
The HOERBIGER ePrAX, a completely innovative drive system for
press brakes, which will revolutionize
all existing eDrive developments, will
take the center stage.
In addition to the HOERBIGER
ePrAX, HOERBIGER Automatisierungstechnik GmbH will feature two
innovative products for laser cutting
systems at its booth: the Laser Gas
Regulator (LGR) and the new LiftAx
for raising the pallet table.
“We will not unveil the biggest
secret—the technical design of the
HOERBIGER ePrAX—until the trade
show,” adds Katja Ebenhoch. There
is only a small part that is being revealed now: “With the HOERBIGER
ePrAX, we have developed an electric drive that overcomes all the
drawbacks of mechanical systems
“The HOERBIGER ePrAX blends the
advantages of electrical and hydraulic systems,” says Katja Ebenhoch.
“The combination of these benefits
is what defines the performance of
modern press brakes. Compared to
the existing customary drive systems, for a new investment the
HOERBIGER ePrAX provides end
customers with a sustainable increase in productivity due to shortened cycle times.”
The innovative HOERBIGER Laser
Gas Regulator (LGR) combines the
advantages of piezotechnology with
precision engineering, electronics,
and sensors. A decisive unique selling proposition is that the gas can be
changed in just a few hundred milli-
seconds, making it five times faster
than conventional systems. Because
of the high gas pressure stability that
is achieved with the piezotechnology, the HOERBIGER LGR creates
precise cutting edges in consistent
quality. At an output pressure of up
to 28 bar, especially thick metal
sheets can be cut efficiently and in
the highest quality. With its pressure
stability of +/-0.03 bar, the
HOERBIGER Laser Gas Regulator is
also excellently suited for thin metal
sheets. The compact design and the
low weight of the system, which is attached directly to the cutting head,
also allow the laser unit to be moved
more quickly.
The HOERBIGER LiftAx system, a
hydraulic innovation for automatically loading and unloading flat bed laser cutting machines, also has impressively high process reliability.
The pallet table is equipped with four
LiftAx units for raising and lowering
the metal sheets. The synchronous
speed of the units is hydraulically
controlled. This novel, decentralized
solution entirely eliminates the space
requirement for a central hydraulic
power unit, creating more design
freedom for our customers. The selfsufficient LiftAx units at the corners
of the pallet table ensure minimal installation effort and maximum convenience.
Proven Components and
Systems for Industrial
Mechanical Engineering
In addition to the HOERBIGER
ePrAX, the innovation of the year
2012, HOERBIGER will feature proven components and systems for industrial mechanical engineering at
the EuroBLECH 2012.
The booth will, for example, exhibit
the latest design of the high-performance Hybrid Direct Drive Linear
(HDDL) punch drive. The patented
punch drive uniquely blends the dynamics and precision of a servoelectric linear drive with the power
density and stability of hydraulics. Its
efficiency and optimized energy
management are other compelling
features. With a positioning accuracy
of 0.01 millimeters or better, the
HDDL achieves up to 1,300 strokes
per minute in stamping operations
and 3,000 strokes per minute in
marking operations. Another unique
selling proposition is the dynamic
speed adjustment of the stroke, reducing tool wear and tear and noise.
Time and Space for In-Depth
Discussions with Visitors
The HOERBIGER trade show booth
has been completely redesigned. At
the EuroBLECH, HOERBIGER for
the first time built a two-story booth
on floor space measuring approximately 65 square meters (700
square feet).
“The EuroBLECH is the most important trade show for our industry,”
says Katja Ebenhoch. “It goes without saying for us that we need to be
present here for our international
customers. Our new booth offers
ample room for communicating and
exchanging ideas. We have created
a pleasant atmosphere for in-depth
technical discussions, mainly on the
second floor.”
Room for presentations and
communication: the HOERBIGER
trade show booth, which was designed for the EuroBLECH in
Hannover. The drive system for
press brakes newly developed by
HOERBIGER will take the center
stage. The biggest secret, the
technical design of the innovative
HOERBIGER ePrAX, will not be
unveiled until the show.
028
029
KSB S.A.S. France
INNOVATION BETWEEN COGNAC AND BORDEAUX
mECHATROnICS
À LA CARTE
Not far from the small town of La Roche-Chalais situated in the Dordogne
Département, several futuristic buildings interrupt the park-like landscape.
The complex, which nestled between old trees and small ponds at first
glance resembles a hotel or winery, is one of the world’s leading centers of
competence for butterfly valves, nonreturn valves, actuators and
automation systems: KSB S.A.S. France. In 1989, the French subsidiary of
Germany�s KSB Group acquired the former AMRI S.A.—“Applications
Mécaniques de Robinetterie Industrielle.” Since then, AMRI has become
the brand name for valves made by KSB Group. Boasting sales of approximately two billion euros worldwide, the Group is one of the leading providers of pumps, valves and associated systems.
030
031
TEXT: Nikolaus Fecht · PHOTOS: Ralf Baumgarten
www.ksb.com
A special feature is the Rubber Production
department, which develops elastomeric liners.
The weighing of the rubber blends is computer
controlled. The raw material is processed in the
molds (top). Quality control of the seal is an
integral step (bottom).
A piezopneumatic
positioner module made by
HOERBIGER is used in the
electropneumatic SMARTRONIC MA positioner. The
production steps at KSB are
diverse: the picture above
shows a stop being welded
to the Danais disk.
A
t KSB S.A.S. France, approximately 450 employees are in charge of
development and production of
the products manufactured in La
Roche-Chalais. A key production
line is the butterfly valves. KSB S.A.S France is
considered the market leader in Europe in this
market segment.
KSB
KSB Aktiengesellschaft, Frankenthal, Germany, is one of the leading producers of pumps
and valves worldwide. While other companies in the mechanical and plant engineering industry suffered declining sales following good results in 2011, KSB Group and its 16,000
employees around the world realized strong growth. Between January and June 2012, the
company increased its semiannual sales by approximately 13 percent to 1.1 billion euros—
in all segments, for pumps and valves, as well as in service. KSB Group generated sales of
2.13 billion euros for the entire fiscal 2011 year. Like the parent company in Germany, the
plant of French KSB subsidiary KSB S.A.S. France in La Roche-Chalais is one of the longstanding customers of HOERBIGER�s Strategic Business Unit Automation Technology. KSB
sells the butterfly valves manufactured in La Roche-Chalais, France, in Burgos, Spain, and
in Houston, Texas, USA, under the AMRI brand name. The valves are used in building technology, industrial engineering, water and power plant technology as well as in shipbuilding. The product portfolio of the AMRI brand includes pneumatic, hydraulic and electric
valve actuators as well as control units, which are developed by the 50 employees of the
Research and Development Center in Gradignan near Bordeaux.
Given the variety of eccentric and centric butterfly valves offered by KSB, ranging from a few
millimeters to several meters in size, the range of
application opportunities is broad. The manually, electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically actuated valves are used in many markets of industry, in the crude oil, gas, chemical and petrochemical industries, but also in the industrial
032
033
generation of low-pressure steam and vacuum
as well as in the sugar and paper fields. Additional areas of application include building,
water and power plant technology, as well as
shipbuilding. This has created a multicolored
production environment, since the different colors at KSB identify the use of the finished product. KSB blue, for example denotes industrial
applications, orange is for buildings, and light
blue for drinking water.
High Complexity
in Production
KSB S.A.S. France manufactures almost the
entire range in-house. The plant generally

procures only the cast casings, raw materials,
electronics components and—in very few exceptions—mechatronics modules from outside
suppliers. This has led to high complexity in the
production operation. Antoine Casteleyn, Product Manager Actuator and Automation states:
“We produce over 1,000 different combinations
The carbon for the rubber blend is weighed
with precision.
of valves, actuators and automations, which
gives a big variety of products for many applications. The trick is to control this enormously high
complexity in assembly, in order to ultimately
deliver the products on time.” S
ix manufacturing
cells were set up for producing the butterfly
valves, which employ high vertical integration to
manufacture the different product groups—
seals, seat rings and valve control units.
Leading Edge in Seals,
Seat Rings and Control Units
KSB Group continues to market the product
portfolio produced in La Roche-Calais under the
AMRI brand, which is well known beyond
France’s borders. A special feature of the factory is the Rubber Production department, which
develops and produces the elastomeric liners
in-house. The vertical integration here is extremely high, because KSB also develops the
blends for the seals. “We manufacture the liners
for the entire KSB Group right here,” explains
Christophe Bouffin, Manager of the Rubber Production Department. “Our plant only receives
the raw material for our 15 standard blends
which we use to cover our customers’ requirements.” Depending on the lots, the seals are
press-formed or injection-molded. The diame-
ters of the liners, which are integrally molded
and then vulcanized, range from 20 millimeters
to as large as one meter (0.78 to 39.3 inches).
The French plant produces seals larger than
that in individual parts, which are then combined into a gigantic liner at the sister plant in
Burgos, Spain. Thanks to special contact points,
which allow renewed vulcanization at the Burgos
facility, elastomeric seals with diameters as large
as 3.8 meters (149 inches) have been produced
here, which due to the vulcanization have a consistent mixing ratio and high strength. Like the
seals, the seat rings for the eccentric butterfly
valves are also manufactured under KSB’s own
auspices. Materials used include metal or highperformance polymers such as PFA or Teflon.
The latest manufacturing cell is currently in the
process of being set up. It is intended for the
new generation of multifunctional valve control
units and positioners for pneumatic part-turn
and linear actuators, which the KSB Research
and Development Center in G
radignan near
Bordeaux developed. An assembly developed
there is the AMTRONIC control unit with pneumatic valve-limit switch. It can be mounted
directly on pneumatic KSB part-turn actuators,
without the use of added adaptation parts such
as bracket and external piping.
HOERBIGER Positioners
replace Solenoid Valve
An especially innovative system is the electropneumatic SMARTRONIC MA positioner, which
is used to control pneumatic part-turn and linear actuators. Unlike with the majority of its
leading products, KSB here relies on the performance of a component made by a development
partner: in the SMARTRONIC MA, a piezopneumatic positioner module with extremely low
internal air consumption of less than 0.4 liters
per minute (0.024 cubic meters/hour) made by
HOERBIGER has replaced the solenoid valve of
the predecessor model. “Our objective was to
develop an intrinsically safe pneumatic-electronic controller,” Christophe Amagat recalls,
Automation Development Engineer at KSB
S.A.S. France. “In fact, we were only looking for
a supplier that could offer an intrinsically safe
PART
piezo pilot valve with very low internal air consumption.” HOERBIGER Automatisierungstechnik GmbH in Altenstadt, Germany, had just
completed its development of an innovative positioner module for intrinsically safe positioners.
At the ACHEMA 2012 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the KSB Group unveiled a new generation
of multifunctional valve control units and smart
positioners for pneumatic part-turn and linear
actuators. The functions range from simple
open-close control of a pneumatic valve with limit position detection—AMTRONIC—to control
tasks which are completed independently of a
higher-level control station—SMARTRONIC PC.
Users will benefit from a comprehensive package consisting of the valve, actuator and smart
control unit or positioner, which is fully configured and tested at the plant. KSB typically relies
on high vertical integration. The well-known
valve manufacturer only makes an exception
when an excellent outside solution is available.
This was the case with a piezopneumatic positioner module from HOERBIGER Automatisie
rungstechnik GmbH, Altenstadt, Germany, which
is used in the SMARTRONIC MA positioner for
pneumatic part-turn and lift actuators.
The newly devised positioner module was so
well received in Gradignan that they dispensed
with a new development of their own and KSB,
in this instance, departed from the high internal
vertical integration: “We decided against an inhouse development and in favor of the system
made by HOERBIGER because the company is
known to have very extensive know-how and experience when it comes to piezopneumatics,”
says Christophe Amagat.
Antoine Casteleyn,
Product Manager Actuator
and Automation, KSB
According to KSB, great features of the
HOERBIGER module include fast positioning,
the technology for intrinsically safe devices,
low energy consumption and resistance to
air pollution. A look at the technical data of the
PiezoPneumatiC
Mechatronics à la carte—
the right Ingredients
“Actually, we were only looking for a pilot valve!”—KSB S.A.S. France has treated
its new, intelligent control systems for pneumatic actuators to a mechatronics
icing on the cake, made in Germany. Antoine Casteleyn, Product Manager Actuator and Automation at KSB’s Research and Development Center in Gradignan
explains why it had to be HOERBIGER piezopneumatics.
Interview: Nikolaus Fecht · PHOTOs: Ralf Baumgarten
HOERBIGER@MOTION: Mr. Casteleyn, what
makes your products stand out?
Antoine Casteleyn: We are one of the very few
manufacturers that completely develop valves,
actuators and automation systems and produce
these with very high vertical integration. Our
unique selling proposition is that control units
can be mounted directly onto KSB part-turn ac-
tuators, without added parts and pneumatic
piping.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: At the ACHEMA 2012,
KSB unveiled a new generation of multifunctional valve control units and positioners for pneumatic part-turn and linear actuators. What does
the innovation consist of?
Antoine Casteleyn: This is an actuator series
with three development stages. The AMTRONICS
open/close control unit for pneumatic actuators
is the first stage. The electropneumatic SMARTRONIC MA positioner is the second stage, which
is supplied with power via a four- to 20-milliampere signal and controls the pneumatic partturn and lift actuators. In the third stage, the
control loop is closed by the multifunctional
SMARTRONIC PC valve control unit, which can
be programmed specifically for the customer’s
process on the computer.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What was the greatest
leap you implemented in the development process?
Antoine Casteleyn: Definitely with the SMARTRONIC MA, since our major customers would
like to integrate the automation components in
their central process control system at the field
level. The SMARTRONIC MA offers the necessary conditions.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What improvements
did you make on the new control unit?
Antoine Casteleyn: The compressed air supply,
the electronic control boards as well as the elec-
trical connections are located in separate compartments of the device. This protects each of
these functions during start-up and maintenance work. The spatial separation and a polycarbonate housing assure that the units are very
robust and reliable.
rent signal when using piezopneumatics. We
ultimately decided in favor of HOERBIGER technology among the piezopneumatic pilot valves
because HOERBIGER has also proven to be a
great development partner, who supplies us
now with the entire positioner module—contrary
to our originally planned in-house development.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: Does the air upstream
of your unit have to be conditioned?
Antoine Casteleyn: Generally not. Unlike our
competitors, which provide for class 2 or 3 filtration, we rely on class 4 air filtration for the control air with pressure of two to eight bar, which
removes particles greater than 15 micrometers.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: How did piezopneumatics made by HOERBIGER come into play?
Antoine Casteleyn: We wanted to replace the
existing solenoid valve in the SMARTRONIC MA
for a variety of reasons. Great features of piezopneumatics include faster positioning, greater
resistance to air pollution, lower energy consumption and intrinsic safety. The last advantage allows an intrinsically safe design according
to ATEX II 1 G, using the same pilot valve.
In addition, the actuating speed of the installed seat valve is not dependent on the cur-
The new generation of products made by KSB:
AMTRONIC-SMARTRONIC.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: You offer your customers complete packages consisting of the valve,
actuator and intelligent control unit, which are
fully configured and tested in your plant. Does
the relationship with HOERBIGER play a role
there too?
KSB SMARTRONIC MA positioner module demonstrates just how extremely economically the
piezopneumatic positioner module developed by
HOERBIGER operates. Thanks to the integrated
piezopneumatic pilot valves, the internal air consumption of the positioner module is less than
0.4 liters per minute (0.024 cubic meters/hour),
regardless of the operating pressure. This is less
than half of the compressed air consumption of
conventional systems.
www.hoerbiger.com
PART OF
The new AMTRONIC and SMARTRONIC units
made by KSB are suitable for a broad spectrum
of applications. The testing conducted by pilot
users from the oil, gas and food industries as well
as in drinking water purification was stringent. Intrinsically safe models are especially suited for 034
applications in explosion-prone atmospheres.
The HOERBIGER piezopneumatic positioner 035
modules particularly stand out in these difficult
environments: they are typically produced in intrinsically safe designs, which meet the ATEX II 1
G standard.
Antoine Casteleyn: HOERBIGER supports us
very significantly when it comes to adapting the
positioner modules to our system. We therefore
have a kind of simultaneous engineering in
place at a very early stage. This ability to support
the system development is one of the key reasons that speak in favor of HOERBIGER.
Nonetheless, this is only one aspect of our
cooperation. We have been purchasing end
products from HOERBIGER for quite some
time, including electrohydraulic systems, for example.
HOERBIGER@MOTION: What strategy do you
pursue for launching the new actuator control
units and positioners for pneumatic part-turn
and linear actuators?
Antoine Casteleyn: Here, we are already one
step further. We have already completed the test
phases. The tests were carried out in companies which place high demands on pneumatics.
We are now already at a point where our systems are being marketed successfully around
the world and used in companies from the oil,
gas and food industries as well as in drinking
water purification.
Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation
A BRIGHT FUTURE
CHINA’S
AUTOMOTIVE
SUCCESS STORY
Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation (SAIC): the story of one of China’s most
important automobile manufacturers is driven by famous car models. It began with the Shanghai 760
built in the late ﬁfties, a sedan weighing more than a ton. And today, in 2012, SAIC is
really gaining traction with state-of-the-art transmission technology.
TEXT: Gerd Golbach · PHOTOS: Ingo Bulla · SAIC
036
037
The Roewe 750 is one of
SAIC’s models for success.
HOERBIGER supplies complete synchronizer systems
for the transmission.
www.saicgroup.com
T
he Shanghai 760 was developed in Maoist
China. The heavy-weight sedan was the vehicle
of choice of the Chinese political upper class,
whose positions were not high enough for the
dream car, the “Red Flag.” In top years, the
plant manufactured as many as 9,000 vehicles annually.
Even as late as the 1990s, being chauffeured through Beijing
in a Shanghai 760 taxi was a highlight among tourists.
Today, the Shanghai 760 is a museum piece. The true
success story of the automotive industry in China began in
the eighties—with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation as the trailblazer. The joint venture Shanghai VW has
been producing the Shanghai Santana since 1983. The
first Santana generation dominated the urban landscapes
of the Chinese metropolises until the nineties. It was a
robust and comfortable vehicle, which did well on China’s
roads and soon could be found even in the remotest of
spots of the country.
Upon intervention by the Chinese government, the two entities merged to jointly produce the almost identical models
of SAIC and NAC MG. SAIC continued to develop the British models and is selling them with a newly designed company logo under the Roewe marque. The name had to be
changed because the naming rights to Rover as well as the
logo are owned by Ford.
On right: In 2012, the transmission production operation
was relocated to the new
factory in Shanghai. One of
SAIC is presently the largest automobile conglomerate in
China. In 2011, the company produced more than 4 million vehicles, of which the two joint ventures Shanghai GM
the products manufactured
at this site is the transmission
for the Roewe 750.
Even though it was produced in China,
drivers were always proud of sitting behind
the wheel of a “German” automobile.
The success of the Santana paved the way for SAIC developing an entirely new supplier industry for automotive
components in the late 1980s and 1990s. While in 1987
the only locally manufactured components of the Shanghai
Santana were the tires and car radio, the share of locally
produced parts was expanded to more than 90 percent in
a matter of ten years. This was due in part to the government of the City of Shanghai, whose goal at the time was to
double Shanghai’s share in the national production of vehicle components. In 1997, a new joint venture was created:
this time with General Motors. In 1996, Shanghai GM
began to produce Buicks and Chevys and helped SAIC
double its annual production between 2000 and 2006.
From China’s Number One
to a Global Player
With the onset of the new millennium, SAIC prepared its
presence on the international market. In 2002, SAIC
acquired a majority stake in the Korean automobile manufacturer SsangYong Motor, gaining access to the Korean’s
international dealer network.
SAIC had grown with the Chinese automobile market until
2002. Driving factors for this growth were the joint ventures. For almost ten years now, the Chinese automotive
industry has attempted to become established on the
worldwide market with new products it developed on its
own. And it has done so successfully: in 2005, SAIC
acquired the licenses to the Rover 25 and Rover 75 models from the insolvency assets of MG Rover Group. The
production equipment and machines were acquired in
2006 by its then competitor, Chinese automaker Nanjing
Automobile Corporation (NAC), which holds the naming
rights to MG and founded the subsidiary NAC MG.
038
039
and Shanghai VW manufactured 2.4 million cars. The
most popular minivan in China, the “Wuling Sunshine,”
accounts for 1.2 million vehicles.
Above: Professor Fang
Weirong, Transmission Vice
Director of SAIC Motor
Passenger Vehicle Company
Brand Diversity:
Cars for Everyone’s Taste
SAIC sells vehicles under various brands. The Yuejin,
Roewe, MG and Maxus brands are exclusive to SAIC. The
brands used by the joint ventures are Buick, Chevrolet,
Bajun, Volkswagen, Skoda, Iveco and Wuling. SAIC Motor
Passenger Vehicle Company (SMPV), which is wholly
owned by SAIC, is in charge of developing and manufacturing the Roewe and MG series. SMPV plans to sell
700,000 Roewe and MG vehicles annually by 2015, which
equates to three times the 2011 sales figure. SMPV additionally plans to launch three to four new models every
year beginning in 2015. Professor Fang Weirong, Transmission Vice Director at SMPV, started with SAIC Motors in
1986. “I began,” he reported in an interview with
HOERBIGER@MOTION, “at precisely the time when VW
came to China. My first major project was to implement the
production of the Santana five-speed transmission in
China starting in 1988.”
(SMPV), has worked for the
company since 1986.
Bottom: In addition to
the transmissions for
the Roewe 750, in the
future the transmissions
for the Roewe 350, MG
5 and MG 6 (picture)
will be produced in
Shanghai.
PART
Synchronizer systems are an important component in manual transmissions. Because of HOERBIGER’s intensive product development process and extensive transmission testing,
its synchronizer systems are always optimized. Premium
components assure the performance of the transmission.
HOERBIGER produces the synchronizer components that
are intended for SAIC at its sites in Schongau, Germany, and
Changzhou, China. In Changzhou, the synchronizer systems
are completed before they are shipped to the customer.
HOERBIGER supplies SAIC with complete synchronizer systems for the SH78Z transmission installed in the Roewe 750.
In 2012, SAIC relocated the transmission production to a
newly constructed factory. This is where the new SCM 250
transmissions for the Roewe 350 and MG 5 as well as the
SCM 360 transmissions for the MG 6 will soon roll off the
line with synchronizer systems made by HOERBIGER.
HOERBIGER will continue to support SAIC with innovations.
Engineers from both companies are currently working on an
Electrical Drive Unit (EDU). The center of this collaboration
revolves around the application of a synchronizer unit in the
drivetrain of an electric vehicle.
PART OF
China, the world’s largest automobile market, now has
more than 6,500 companies which serve the continually
growing automobile market. Based on annual production,
companies leading by a wide margin in 2011 included
Shanghai Automotive Industry (Group) Corporation (SAIC)
with 4 million vehicles, Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DMC)
with 3.5 million vehicles, China First Automobile Group Corporation (FAW) with 2.6 million vehicles, and Chang’an with
2 million vehicles. These four companies accounted for
64 percent of China’s total automobile production. As sales
growth in China is decreasing, notably SAIC and FAW are
making a push into the international market, attempting to
also gain a foothold in the electric vehicle market segment.
The MG and Roewe models are developed primarily in
Shanghai. A total of 1,800 engineers in Shanghai work
closely with 300 engineers in Nanjing and 250 engineers
in Longbridge near Birmingham, England. Longbridge recently opened the SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC).
The focus of the company still lies on successfully developing the brand, which is apparent alone from the fact that
the engines and transmissions departments employ in
total more than 130 engineers.
After years of unabated growth and investments, the Chinese automotive sector is facing a consolidation process in
the medium range. SAIC is positioned well and has solid
financial backing, so that it is very likely to gain from the
consolidation and maintain its position.
The MG 6, the Roewe 550, the Roewe 950 and the new
MG 3 are presently manufactured in Shanghai, the Roewe
350 and the MG 5 in Nanjing, while Roewe 750 and the
particularly for the

Chinese market important W5 SUV in
Yangzhou. In Longbridge, the models developed in China are
assembled with components manufactured in China for the
European market.
Professor Fang Weirong says: “Our models are positioned
in the mid-range and luxury market segments. We have
strict requirements in terms of performance and quality.
Our low production costs give us a competitive edge. However, we are not a low-cost brand; our company produces
high-quality vehicles. In the next five years, China will be
the most important market for SMPV,” adds Professor
Fang Weirong. “Tough we are also starting to develop the
international market. For example, we have already
shipped approximately 6,000 vehicles abroad.” SMPV
plans to sell the drive assemblies together with the transmissions to other companies, for example the SCM 250.
The demands on the technical quality and cost-effective
pricing are therefore very high.
040
“In the future, we hope to achieve progress
with regard to developing new synchronizer
system designs through the excellent
cooperation with HOERBIGER.”
PARTNERSHIP
SAIC was the first Chinese state-owned company to enter
into a joint venture: this was with Volkswagen Group. SAIC
has been collecting experience from this international cooperation since 1983. The collaboration was expanded in
the mid-1990s to include General Motors (GM). After
20 years as a “junior partner” to international automobile
groups, SAIC now also operates internationally and is an
equal partner and investor. In 2002, SAIC participated in
the acquisition of Korea’s automobile manufacturer Daewoo by GM. SAIC currently holds a ten percent stake in GM
Daewoo. In 2004, SAIC gained control of the Korean automobile manufacturer SsangYong Motor. Through its merger
with Nanjing Automobile Corporation, which had production plants not only in China, but also in Longbridge, England, SAIC further expanded its position as an international
car manufacturer. Six years ago, SAIC and HOERBIGER
jointly optimized the transmission for the Roewe 750. Over
the years, the two partners have continued to expand their
close working relationship. HOERBIGER supplies not only
complete synchronizer systems for the Roewe 750, but is
now also involved in the development of innovative synchronizer systems for the current and future model series.
HOERBIGER cooperated with the engineers in Longbridge
even before they have been acquired by SAIC. This relationship had a global focus right from the start. While the
SAIC Motor Technical Centre (SMTC) in England works
closely with HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik GmbH in Schongau, Germany, SAIC engineers in Shanghai value the proximity of HOERBIGER development engineers at HOERBIGER
Drive Technology (Changzhou) Co. Ltd. HOERBIGER’s
global nature assures shorter paths for the customer and
tailor-made solutions for any market.
In the near future, the sales figures will not rise as drastically as over the past few years. The annual growth rate
that can be anticipated is approximately 10 percent. SAIC
will maintain the collaboration with international business
partners. Notably the cooperation with GM continues to be
very close: they produce everything jointly, from the drive
assembly to the transmission. This allows the technology to
be kept up-to-date.
Modern Synchronizers for
an Edge in the Competition
HOERBIGER is also an important international business partner: “HOERBIGER supplies complete synchronizer systems
for the three manual transmissions of SAIC Group which are
the most advanced technologically. In the future, we hope to
achieve progress with regard to developing new synchronizer
system designs through the excellent cooperation with
HOERBIGER,” states Professor Fang Weirong “HOERBIGER
is a company that not only continually enhances its products,
but is also able to respond to the cost pressure we are faced
with in competition.”
With Joint Ventures toward Cutting-Edge
Technology developed in China
Professor Fang Weirong says: “The joint ventures with VW
and GM gave us access to sophisticated technology. We
now independently continue to develop it. We strive to
bring our technology up-to-date with the acquisition of MG
and through the collaboration with SMTC in England, while
also hiring qualified engineers in China.”
“We hope to be able to make our products competitive in the
future by continuing the close cooperation with such a
competitive company as HOERBIGER. HOERBIGER not only
has a strong position in terms of product quality, but also the
capability to manufacture locally. For us, it’s not only the cost
advantage which comes from producing in China that counts,
but also the proximity to our suppliers,” adds Professor Fang
Weirong.
041
HOERBIGER Compression Technology, Latin America
THE WELLHEAD COMPRESSION PROJECT
SERVICE EXCELLENCE
IN LATIN AMERICA
Argentina has been producing oil and gas for almost a century. Oil
and gas producers face the challenge of economically extracting
what residual amounts of resources are left from the fields that
are largely depleted. This has created a new business opportunity
for HOERBIGER, a new business model.
TexT: Michaela Stollberg · Ludwig Schönefeld · PHOTOs: Ralf Baumgarten · Manfred Klimek
042
043
www.hoerbiger.com
The service teams assure the
reliable operation of the
equipment. This also includes
regular maintenance in the
workshop and at the site.
044
PHOTO: Manfred Klimek
“We bring mature
oil and natural gas
wells back to life.”
T
o HOERBIGER Compression Technology, Service Excellence means reliably performing maintenance work,
which increases the useful life and
efficiency of rotary equipment and
provides customers with added value in the long
term by optimizing their capital investment.
In developed markets, also referred to as mature
markets, this is achieved by service products
that clearly go beyond the performance spectrum of the competitors, especially when it
comes to upgrading and revamping classic reciprocating compressors.
Service Excellence, however, may also take on
an entirely different shape, as in Latin America.
Here, HOERBIGER successfully developed a
new service product that is tailored to the
regional market: wellhead compression.

HOERBIGER supplies the customers with fully
equipped gas engine compressor units as part
of a leasing contract. These gas compressors
can be used to economically extract residual
quantities of natural gas and oil from largely exhausted fields. HOERBIGER operates and maintains the gas engines and compressors, which
greatly benefits the customer with comparatively little expenditure.
Daniel Vazquez—Visionary in the
Wellhead Compression Project
Daniel Vazquez manages business development
of HOERBIGER Compression Technology in
L atin America—and is in charge of the Wellhead
Compression Project.
After frequent customer visits and discussions
about ways for HOERBIGER to improve their oil
and gas production operations, Daniel Vazquez
initiated the contact between HOERBIGER in
Latin America and a manufacturer of small reciprocating compressors in the U.S. who was
looking for new distribution channels for his
units in the Latin American market.
The concept of using mobile gas compressor
packages to allow residual amounts to be extracted from fields that are largely depleted was
already proven throughout the USA. Daniel
Vazquez ensured that this business model is
now also a valuable asset in Argentina and other
South American countries: “We discovered this
attractive market niche in Latin America and
created an attractive opportunity for ourselves
Daniel Vazquez,
HOERBIGER
at just the right time.” HOERBIGER sells or
leases these mobile gas compressors to oil and
natural gas producers in Latin America to artificially stimulate the flow from the reservoir. This
significantly increases the production of natural
gas, oil and valuable condensates.
“The production increase is significant,” raves
Daniel Vazquez. “By using our compressors, it is
possible to increase the delivery of oil and condensates by 60 to 80 or more barrels per day at
wells that technically were no longer profitable.”
The natural gas output also improves between
25,000 up to 85,000 cubic meters per day.
Wells that were once considered dry can be
brought back into production.
The dedication of Daniel Vazquez (picture on right)
and his team has paid off. An idea became a new
business model.
045
Operation, Service and Maintenance—
Reliably from one Source
HOERBIGER leases the compressor equipment
to the customer and ensures the reliable and
uninterrupted operation by also providing the
necessary maintenance services. The customer
enjoys the benefits of considerably increased
production at a very low capital investment.
“We typically repair reciprocating compressors
in our repair shop,” relates Vazquez. “Now that
we’ve become operators, we equip our service
team to go into the field to provide customers
with on-site support.”
The service teams are able to adapt the equipment to improve reliability when field conditions
become extreme; for example when ambient
temperatures reach up to 50 degrees Celsius
(122 degrees Fahrenheit), or when there is salt,
sand, carbon dioxide and/or hydrogen sulfide in
the gas stream.
046
More than 150 Units in Operation—
Regional Demand is on the Rise
The extensive know-how in compression technology allows HOERBIGER to defy these challenges and offer compressor units that can handle these problems as well as large volumes of
contaminated gas and condensate.
The team’s responsibilities are
diverse. The gas compressors used
are checked on-site on a regular
basis and serviced in the workshop.
Service teams assure that the equipment functions flawlessly, even under
Presently more than 150 compressor units are
operating in Latin America as part of the Wellhead Compression Project. As more fields
across the region mature, the potential for more
business will develop.
extreme conditions. Ambient temperatures in the reservoirs can climb as
high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Executive Board of HOERBIGER was in
favor of the project from the start. The success
has proven Daniel Vazquez and his team right.
“The enormous growth potential and the profitability of the Wellhead Compression Project have
made the investments well worth it,” adds Daniel
Vazquez.
More Information?
Use the QR code to access the film
“Service Excellence” about the
Wellhead Compression Project at
the HOERBIGER website.
Visit our new
Website:
w w w.hoerbiger.com
047
Research and Development News:
HOERBIGER eHydroCOM—
A GROUNDBREAKING CONTROL SYSTEM UNDERGOING
FIELD TESTING
HOERBIGER is again an innovation driver when it comes to the stepless control of reciprocating
compressors: eHydroCOM was the first purely electrical capacity control system ever to be
successfully tested in a rough, highly demanding industrial setting. In the future, the eHydroCOM
system will offer full functionality without the need for hydraulics and promises lower installation,
maintenance and operating costs to customers from the oil, gas, and process industries. The
new concept benefits from the extensive experience that HOERBIGER has gathered with the
electrohydraulic HydroCOM control system since the late 1990s.
TexT: Simon Schmid · PHOTOs: Ralf Baumgarten · HOERBIGER
A
t this year’s symposium of the European
Forum for Reciprocating Compressors
(EFRC), which is held in Düsseldorf on
September 27 and 28, 2012, the HOERBIGER
Group will showcase the development status
of the eHydroCOM, which is the evolutionary
advancement of its successful HydroCOM stepless capacity control system for reciprocating
compressors.
The eHydroCOM pilot series is present undergoing endurance testing on a commercially
operated compressor in a demanding natural
gas application. In the future, the system will
provide operators and OEMs with another stepless capacity control system, in addition to the
HydroCOM. The application areas for stepless
reverse flow control can therefore be expanded
and their advantages will be available to an even
greater clientele.
The actuator of the new control system is operated solely electrically and unlike its predecessor requires no hydraulic system. It nonetheless
offers all the advantages of hydraulic actuation:
high load-bearing capacity with load spikes of
up to 15,000 newtons, compressor speeds
of up to 1,200 revolutions per minute, and
extremely fast valve closing times with optimized
impact speed of the valve sealing element to
increase the service life. In an effort to find the
most appropriate electrical actuator principle
among those presently utilized in the market,
HOERBIGER analyzed eight different operating
principles for their suitability and decided in favor of a unique hybrid solution.
Energy-saving Control
Many applications of reciprocating compressors
require efficient capacity control. Like the
HydroCOM system installed in as many as 900
reciprocating compressors around the globe,
eHydroCOM employs the reverse flow capacity
control principle. This allows fast and precise
control almost without power loss—and unlike
with bypass or stepped controls, in general only
the required amount of gas is compressed. This
makes the HOERBIGER stepless capacity
control systems the world leader in terms of
technology and efficiency and they offer clear
Cylinder of a reciprocating
compressor, equipped
with the new eHydroCOM
control system.
cost advantages over a compressor equipped
with stepped control or a bypass for recirculating
compressed gas.
Optimized Design
For operators and OEMs, the great added value
of the eHydroCOM system will come from its low
installation and maintenance expenditure. To a
large extent, it utilizes the system structure and
bus architecture of existing installations, making
it easy to retrofit. The technical design has been
tailored to the present needs of the oil, gas, and
process industries. Yet it also satisfies future expectations of the industry with regard to lower
installation and maintenance complexity and a
longer service life. Despite the elimination of
hydraulic fluid as the cooling medium, eHydroCOM
dispenses with the need for an external cooling
unit—such as a fan.
Future-oriented Concept
During the entire pre-development phase, a test
bench that was developed in-house and can
simulate a variety of operating parameters of
compressors, has proven to be a valuable tool:
Allowing for initial functional tests of the actuator
and power electronics all the way to long-term
endurance testing of the overall system,
HOERBIGER successfully tested the eHydroCOM
system before installing it in active compressors
for trial applications.
eHydroCOM
BASE SPECIFICATIONS
• Current development status:
field testing stage
• Compressor speeds up to 1,200
revolutions per minute
• Maximum unloader forces during valve
unloading of up to 8,000 newtons
• Load spikes during operation of up to
15,000 newtons
• Valve closing times of less than four
milliseconds
• No external cooling unit required
• Resistance to vibrations
• Up to 24,000 operating hours without
need for maintenance
• No mechanical adjustments on the
actuator required
• Completely oil-free design
• Versatile usability of the actuator for all
applications in refineries, process chemistry and natural gas uses
• Plug-and-play design: easy installation
and service, even in remote locations
• EX-certified for hydrogen applications
• Temperature expansion and wear
compensation on the sealing element
• Full control of the suction valve and
unloader movements to maintain their
speeds in predefined boundaries, regardless of compressor load and speed
048
049
LESS WEAR, LONG SERVICE LIFE, LOWER EMISSIONS
BCD RINGS
EFFECTIVELY SEAL PISTON RODS
More Information?
Use the QR code to access
the product page at the
HOERBIGER Website.
In the oil, gas and process industries, reciprocating compressors are indispensable. If they fail or
do not deliver the required performance, all downstream production steps are negatively impacted.
The seals that are selected are frequently the cause of the compressor’s lack of durability. The
piston rod seal in particular often causes problems. The integration of a special sealing ring, which
is exactly tailored to the conditions of the sealing area, corrects this problem.
TExT: Andreas Zeiff · PHOTOs: HOERBIGER
M
ore than twice as long as conventional seals
HOERBIGER BCD rings last. The emission of leaking gases is drastically reduced. The easy-to-retrofit
sealing element solves even the most difficult of
problems, without necessitating high investments
in new equipment components. In new equipment, the considerably
slimmer sealing elements save valuable space in the compressor.
Reciprocating compressors are used to compress gases. The design of
piston compressors is increasingly trending toward non-lubricated
construction. The seal around the piston rod quite frequently constitutes
a weak point and results in comparatively short maintenance intervals.
As a reciprocating compressor specialist, HOERBIGER offers an option
in these instances which safeguards the operation of the equipment
with comparatively low expenditure. The BCD piston rod seals, which
are modern sealing elements computed according to the finite-element
method, considerably increase equipment reliability, even under more
difficult conditions.
Reciprocating Compressors have high Requirements
Modern reciprocating compressors are robust and designed to be
durable and efficient. However, depending on the model and ambient
conditions, some components wear more quickly. These components
are the “hot spots” when it comes to maintenance and negatively
impact the overall economical operation of the compressors. The seal
around the piston rod is one of these critical areas. Until relatively
recently, it was not possible to determine the exact thermophysical
processes on the sealing ring. The development of the seals was entirely
based on empirical evidence, which often times was impossible to
translate into new applications. HOERBIGER developed a mathematical model which allows the gas pressure profile between the sealing
ring and rod—the “foot print” of a ring design—to be predicted for
every compressor type, the percussion force over the packing and the
Visit our new
Website:
ww w.hoerbiger.com
temperature profiles on the piston rod to be simulated, and the exact
pressure curve, surface pressures as well as the frictional heat that
develops to be calculated in advance on the computer. Based on the
new findings gained through simulation, the HOERBIGER specialists
developed an installation-friendly, cut sealing ring. Its special geometry
takes all the pressure influences from static and dynamic loads into
account. Intensive testing conducted on the test bench has confirmed
the theoretical results regarding sealing action, pressure distribution
and frictional characteristics. The special design of the BCD rings
significantly increases the reliability and sealing efficiency. The four
segments are divided into primary and cap segments, each performing
different functions. While the cap segments provide sealing action in
the axial and radial directions, the primary segments surround the
piston rod and form a gap to compensate for wear. The cleverly devised
design assures pressure balancing and guarantees high sealing
efficiency over the entire service life (figure 1). Manufacturers and
operators of reciprocating compressors have confirmed the benefits of
the BCD ring in applications and tests. Howden Thomassen Compression, for example, showed as much as 70 percent lower leakage as
compared to conventional sealing solutions in independent test series
which were conducted for the components selected for their compressors. Contrary to existing sealing solutions, the leakage rate remains at
a minimum level as the pressure rises, and the frictional heat which
must be dissipated is also far below the usual level (figure 2).
Fundamental Advantages Due to Special Properties
In addition to pressure balancing and sealing efficiency, the specific
construction of the BCD ring offers fundamental advantages. The
favorable pressure distribution between the rings and rod also reduces
the contact pressure, and consequently friction and heat development
at the ring. This significantly reduces wear and contributes to a longer
life expectancy with consistently high sealing efficiency. The life of the
Figure 2: The leakage measurement shows zero Nm3 /h (below the measuring range of the previously used device)—even in the pressurized shutdown state
of the natural gas compressor.
new seal is approximately two times greater than before. Problems due
to overheating during no-load operation, multiple start-ups or leaks
while shut down are eliminated. The slim design of the BCD ring allows
for easy retrofitting of existing systems. The cut design allows the ring
to be inserted without complex disassembly of the rod. The special
configuration requires no pins, which have been customary with cut
rings. Together with the lower gas leakage during operation and pressurized shutdown times, the environmental impact of the compressor
is significantly improved.
Most Frequent Cause of Failure: valve and Packing Problems
A look at the causes of failures of reciprocating compressors in the field
leads to astonishing findings: approximately 70 percent of all failures
are due to only eight causes. Playing a role in over 35 percent of cases,
valve failure ranks at the top. Packing problems then follow in second
place, accounting for approximately 18 percent of all failures. All of the
remaining causes contribute only approximately 8 percent to the failure
rate. These statistics show that the failure rate can be enormously
decreased simply by replacing the packing rings with the robust BCD
rings designed specifically for the respective conditions. This is also
confirmed by the operating data of already retrofitted reciprocating
1
Figure 1: BCD ring segments—HOERBIGER design
for pressure balancing and sealing efficiency.
1 “Cap segments” ensure sealing in the axial and
radial directions. 2 “Primary segments” provide
sealing around the piston rod and form a gap to
compensate for wear.
2
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Figure 3: Comparison between conventional tangential/radial sealing rings
(blue) and BCD sealing elements made of different materials (orange,
1
green): The tangential/radial sealing rings exhibit increased leakage as the
pressure rises, while the BCD ring leakage remains constant at a low level.
050
compressors. The new BCD rings score well especially with natural
gas: the trend in natural gas compressors is increasingly toward nonlubricated designs. In conventional solutions, this results in higher
wear. In practical experience, HOERBIGER has demonstrated time and
again that the life expectancy and reliability of the equipment increase
considerably after the valves and sealing packings are replaced with
modern components. In one natural gas compressor station, the packing elements regularly failed after 2,000 hours in the nonlubricated
first and second compression stages. By using continuous control with
the HydroCOM system and replacing the packings with BCD rings, lifetimes of more than 12,000 hours are now possible without leakage.
This saves not only maintenance costs, but also reduces the emissions
of climate-damaging methane (figure 3).
long Service life in the Process Gas Industry
The modern ring design also offers advantages in the process gas
industry. One refinery, for example, was able to drastically improve the
operating times of the hydrogen compressor. Hydrogen containing
traces of methane is compressed to 66 bar in two stages, and the temperatures are approximately 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). The existing water-cooled seals ran unlubricated at a piston rod
speed of approximately 2.6 m/s. The BCD rings were fitted in the existing, cooled packing housing. The material of the rings is customized to
the special requirements of extremely dry conditions. In continuous
operation, the life expectancy was increased to more than 22,000
hours (approximately 2.5 years) with the new sealing rings. This allowed
the regular maintenance of the compressor to be extended and coordinated with other equipment components, reducing the operating costs
of the plant as a whole. The new sealing rings are optimally tailored to
the conditions in the compressor because of the mathematical calculation of the actual local factors. Despite the slimmer, cut design, the
sealing action and service life are extremely high, and the temperature
of the piston rod is considerably lower. As an easy-to-retrofit component, the BCD ring is therefore suitable for all applications in which
sealing the rod previously required short maintenance intervals.
051
www.mnd.cz
On Site at MnD Gas Storage in uhrice
052
053
GaS
24 HOuRS a DaY,
365 DaYS a YEaR
nO BREaK fOR COMPRESSORS
vítezslav Straka is Operations Manager at MnD Gas Storage in uhrice. Straka
and his team of ten technicians are in charge of assuring the smooth and safe
operation of the underground natural gas storage facility. His equipment runs
around the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
TexT: Georg Frick · PHOTOs: Manfred Klimek
1
2
B
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4
3
Pictures 1 to 4: Gas-powered engines
drive the compressors which compress
the natural gas transported to Uhřice for
efore Vítězslav Straka shows us his
compressors, he explains the business model of MND Gas Storage:
“MND Gas Storage stores natural
gas for a variety of customers. Our
clients purchase storage capacity on the Energy
Exchange and enter into long- or short-term
contracts with MND Gas Storage. The gas is
then stored in accordance with the customers’
requirements, but does not belong to MND Gas
Storage.” Uhřice is located in the gently rolling
countryside of Litenčice Hills, southeast of Brno. The landscape is shaped by agriculture and
isolated pockets of viticulture. It is not a place
where one would suspect any noteworthy industrial activity. What is special about this area is
the oil and gas fields located approximately two
kilometers below the Earth’s surface. The underground storage facility in Uhřice is also a former natural gas field. It has been used to store
natural gas after gas production ceased there.
The total capacity of the underground facility is
280 million cubic meters. Directly adjacent to
the compartments utilized exclusively for storing
natural gas, in Uhřice South, residual amounts
of crude oil are still being extracted from an oil/
gas field. At the same time, the site is already
being used to store gas.
underground storage. The HOERBIGER
HydroCOM system (picture 3) allows the
Ideal Conditions for Storing Gas
gas volume required to be exactly tailored
The Uhřice reservoir is located at a depth of
approximately 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). The
natural gas compartment is surrounded by
absolutely impermeable sandstone and clay

formations. This geological formation offers

ideal conditions for storing gas. MND Gas

Storage primarily stores natural gas from Russia,
which is delivered via pipelines to Lanžhot in the
Czech Republic, in the tripoint with Austria and
Slovakia, from where it is transported underground to Uhřice. There, it is received in one of
two enormous compressor halls. Vítězslav Straka
to the demand.
Picture 5: This is the above-ground portion
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7
of the kilometers of wells which deliver
the compressed gas to the reservoirs
located deep down.
Pictures 6 to 7: All important data merge
in the central operations and monitoring
room—including the readings from the
installed HOERBIGER HydroCOM and
HOERBIGER RecipCOM systems.
8
first takes us through the newer hall, which was
just completed in 2012. Together with Pavel
Hafner, Service Manager at HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o., he explains the technical details of
the two 16-cylinder Caterpillar gas engines and
the two-stage Ariel compressors driven by them.
The compressors are used to compress the gas
which is transported to Uhřice for underground
storage. The gas is precompressed to a pressure of 12 MPa in a first stage. In a second
stage, secondary compression up to a maximum pressure of 21 MPa is carried out, whereupon the gas is ultimately pumped underground
through wells. The gas is compressed incrementally, because it heats up significantly under
pressure. The two-stage compression allows the
gas to be cooled in an intercooler.
Everything is largely automated:
Thanks to HOERBIGER Systems
During regular operation, everything is largely
automated. A HOERBIGER RecipCOM system
monitors the compressors around the clock—
an indispensable step for a facility that operates
without interruption. A key function of the monitoring system is to quickly detect sudden compressor damage and wear.
A HOERBIGER HydroCOM system meanwhile
controls the first compressor stage. The timing
and flow of gas volume are exactly tailored to the
demand. Because the gas volume that is compressed is always only the exact amount that is
required, the dynamic HydroCOM control unit
produces significant cost savings for MND Gas
Storage compared to conventional control by
way of the rotational speed of the compressor
drive. Vítězslav Straka takes us to the second
hall. This building, which was built in 2006, also
houses two gas engines and two compressors.
While the output of the gas engines installed in
2012 is 3,500 kW, the output of the engines
054
055
here is lower at 2,500 kW. The compressors are
produced by Gemini, but like the Ariel compressors next door are also equipped with a
HydroCOM control unit and a RecipCOM monitoring system.All four compressors of MND Gas
Storage handle an average of 5.4 million cubic
meters of gas a day at full utilization of the facility. Vítězslav Straka stresses that it is quite possible to exceed this number if the gas reservoir is
emptied completely. It was critical to always
maintain a pressure of 80 bar in the reservoir
because this was the only way to preserve the
geological structure. Before being passed on to
the customers, the natural gas stored in the
underground facility undergoes a quality control
step. Because the facility two kilometers below
ground is of natural origin, admixtures may
occur in the reservoir. MND Gas Storage therefore removes such impurities.
Lower Complexity–
Higher Reliability
After visiting the halls, Vítězslav Straka takes us
to the central monitoring and operations room of
the facility. Through the windows, we can see
the above-ground portion of the kilometers of
wells which deliver the compressed gas to the
underground reservoir. The boreholes of the
wells are not necessarily vertical, but rather are
deliberately geared toward the underground
shape of the reservoir and therefore often times
are horizontal. The gas flow of the individual
wells is regulated by a pressure control system.
From the center, an operator has control over
the network of wells and their safety valves. The
readings and data of the HydroCOM control
units and of the HOERBIGER RecipCOM systems which are installed on the compressors
merge here, in the central monitoring and operations room. MND Gas Storage has relied on
HOERBIGER technology since 2006. The units
form an integral part of the facility and ensure
that it operates efficiently and safely: lower complexity equates to higher reliability. HOERBIGER
is also a service partner when it comes to maintaining the systems and compressors. Maintenance is performed at service intervals of one to
two years—depending on the number of hours
the machines have been running. In addition,
the service team of HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o.
can be on-site at any time as needed. “Just yesterday we needed service from HOERBIGER on
short notice,” Vitězslav Straka reports. And why
did MND Gas Storage opt for such a close partnership with HOERBIGER? Vítězslav Straka
does not have to give this much thought:
“HOERBIGER came out ahead in an invitation to
bid. The objective was to regulate the machine
performance without lowering the rotational
speed. Out of the various systems that are available in the market, the HOERBIGER HydroCOM
control unit and the HOERBIGER RecipCOM
monitoring system were those that met our
needs the best.”
The employees of MND Gas Storage in Uhřice
value HOERBIGER as an extremely reliable and
flexible partner who tries to accommodate all
their requests. A major advantage is HOERBIGER’s
branch in the Czech Republic, HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o. Sharing the language and having
knowledge of the local regulations make it much
easier to work together. Vítězslav Straka laughs
and adds that he is not trying to flatter Service
Manager Pavel Hafner: “The cooperation with
HOERBIGER is really outstanding.”
20 Years of HOERBIGER Zandov s.r.o.
Production Facility and Service Branch
Just a few more months–then HOERBIGER Zandov s.r.o. can celebrate
a milestone anniversary. In 2013, it will be exactly 20 years that
HOERBIGER founded the branch in Zandov, Czech Republic. While
initially it was purely a production site for valves and compressor
components, today HOERBIGER Zandov s.r.o. is one of the leading
service providers for compressors in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Text: Tim Wohlfarth · PHOTOs: Martin Špelda
HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. produces
valves and compressor components
and offers comprehensive all-inclusive
compressor services. Its valve service
(picture above), for example, assures
optimal use of this important component.
“After the Czech Republic opened to foreign investors, establishing our company was arguably
one of the fastest privatizations,” Dr. Libor Zeman
recalls, who accompanied the founding of
HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. as Managing Director
from the very start. At the beginning of the nineties, the predecessor enterprise, CKD Žandov,
was looking for an investor. HOERBIGER quickly recognized the opportunity that an investment
in one of Eastern Europe’s largest valve manufacturers at the time would entail—in particular
because the company was able to look back on
a history of more than one hundred years.
In 1993, HOERBIGER finally acquired the valve
production operation ofČCKD Žandov and swiftly
developed the new location into HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o. Using state-of-the-art machines,
today the site primarily manufactures smaller
valves, air valves and various key components.
HOERBIGER continues to build on the predecessor’s great tradition. Every year, HOERBIGER
produces as many as 200,000 valves and more
than 200,000 components in Žandov.
Expanding the Portfolio
Today, after approximately 20 years, HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o. has also become established as a
service location—with a branch in Bratislava
in Slovakia. The service area has undergone
continual expansion since 1996. In 2012,

HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. is one of the leading
providers of services for anything compressorrelated, both in the Czech Republic and in Slovakia.
The portfolio ranges from repairs and service to
the maintenance and optimization of compressors. Like MND Gas Storage (see customer feature
on pages 52 to 55), numerous long-standing customers trust in HOERBIGER’s know-how.
For more than 15 years, HOERBIGER Žandov
s.r.o. has also performed maintenance on the
compressors used in the huge, underground
natural gas storage facilities of RWE Gas Storage
s.r.o. in the Czech Republic. These compressors
were equipped and optimized with state-of-theart HOERBIGER components, in particular with
RecipCOM, the online monitoring system.
HOERBIGER services allow even older-model
compressors, such as those built by CKD and
used at RWE Gas Storage in Dolní Dunajovice, to
be upgraded. This significantly increases the reliability. In light of the immense costs associated
with investments in new purchases, the reliability argument also meets with interest among
other customers from the oil, gas, and process
industries. The services not only increase the
overall efficiency and reliability of compressors,
but also make a contribution to protecting the
environment through the use of modern components and monitoring systems. Protecting the
environment is also increasingly gaining in
importance.
Positive Development
“HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. recognized the potential in the service field early on and geared its
service range to the customers’ needs in the
Czech Republic and Slovakia,” Dr. Zeman explained. “We offer our customers tailor-made
solutions, which explains our accordingly high
market share.”
The positive development is also reflected in the
company’s figures. “We started with 70 employees in 1993 and generated sales of approximately 1 million euros,” Dr. Zeman said. “Since
then, HOERBIGER Žandov s.r.o. has grown to
130 employees with annual sales of approximately 13.5 million euros.”
With its service department, HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o. is part of a global network of
service locations. For more than 40 years,

HOERBIGER has offered service solutions for
reciprocating compressors, engines and
turbomachines and has an extensive presence
in all regions in which the oil, gas, and process
industries operate.
056
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IMPRINT
LIBEREC—
INDUSTRIAL REGION
WITH CHARM
For centuries, textile manufacturing shaped the economic development
in the area surrounding Liberec in the Czech Republic. Today, the region
bordering Germany and Poland relies on strengths of a different nature.
The town of Žandov, for example, has a long tradition of mechanical
TexT: Tim Wohlfarth · PHOTOs: Martin Špelda · fotolia
engineering.
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5
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7
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Authors and Photographers
Even today, the magnificent Town Hall in District Capital of Liberec (left) is reminiscent of the prosperity that was once primarily created by the textile industry.
In addition to the numerous attractions, which also include the fountain and the
statue of Saint Sebastian in Žandov (two smaller pictures on the right), the
mountainous scenery attracts countless tourists to the region.
Especially the capital bearing the same name as the region, Liberec, still
offers many historical monuments, such as the Town Hall constructed in
1893—a symbol of the economic boom of those days. The textile boom
benefited the town more than any other city in the region. During its
heyday, approximately 50 textile factories were being operated there. But
those days are long gone. Even one of the most famous enterprises,
Textilana, fell victim to the fiercely competitive conditions and declared
bankruptcy in 2011.
Ž
andov is located in the Liberec Region in the north of the Czech
Republic, not far from the border with Germany and approximately 70 kilometers (44 miles) away from the capital of Prague.
The town on the Ploucnice River is home to approximately
2,000 people and framed by the forested hills of the Bohemian
Uplands. The town's history dates back to the 13th century and was once
dominated by nobilities such as the Berks from Dubá or the House of
Wartenberg. Even today, countless fortresses, castles and ruins of the
Liberec Region are evidence of the legacy of the noble families.
Featuring the Church of Saint Bartholomew, the fountain from 1853, the
statue of Saint Sebastian and the “Krone” vacation home, Žandov itself
offers only few historic attractions that point to the past. Today, the town is
influenced by industry. After all, Žandov can look back on over one hundred
years of mechanical engineering tradition.
The range of production of the companies situated in Žandov initially was
comprised of the production of textile weaving machines and casting
machines as well as reciprocating compressors, which to this day are still
produced locally.
Supporting Pillars
Since the nineties, foreign investors are increasingly utilizing the in-depth
mechanical engineering know-how and operate in Žandov and the surrounding area. This also includes HOERBIGER. Since 1993, HOERBIGER
Žandov s.r.o. has offered a comprehensive portfolio of products and
services, ranging from compressor valves to other key components to
service solutions for reciprocating compressors.
Traditional Strengths
Žandov is not alone in relying on its industrial tradition; the entire Liberec
Region is shaped by industry. While it measures only about 3,163 square
kilometers (1,221 square miles) and is the smallest region in the Czech
Republic, the proportion of people employed in industry is comparatively
high. For good reasons: because the generally mountainous and rugged
terrain is not suited for agriculture, the locals have always turned artisanry
into their main source of income. The region is famous, for example, for its
glassworks as well as for the production of jewelry. Bohemian crystal is
well known all over the world. In contrast, textile manufacturing, another
traditional sector, is increasingly becoming less important. In many places,
only the former villas of textile manufacturers attest to the affluence that
the textile industry once generated for many cities in the region.
Mechanical engineering, polymer processing and the automotive industry
today form the central pillars of the economic development in the Liberec
Region. Uranium mining, another key economic sector of the past, has
also meanwhile been abandoned. The significance of industry is also
reflected in the course offerings available at the Technical University of
Liberec: the spectrum ranges from mechanical engineering technology to
design of machine elements and mechanisms, applied mechanics,
automatic controls and mechatronics to technical cybernetics, just to
mention a few examples. But textile technology, clothing technology or
chemical textile technology can also be found here. And so it appears that
there is no closure with the past just yet. At least the know-how is still being
cultivated.
The fact the region, despite its industrialization, has not lost its charm
benefits another important economic sector: the tourism industry. Apart
from the plethora of fortresses, castles and other historic monuments,
Liberec attracts countless visitors every year with its scenic attractions.
Approximately 40 percent of the region is covered with forests. The
Lusatian Mountains, Jizera Mountains and Giant Mountains offer hikers,
nature enthusiasts, mountain climbers and winter sports aficionados
numerous worthwhile destinations.
1 Ralf Baumgarten (52) lives and works in Cologne. Over the years, the
graduate designer has made a name for himself as a photographer.
His works have won multiple awards. For his book “UhrMenschen,”
for example, he received the prestigious Red Dot Design Award in
2005, and in 2010 he garnered the IF Design Award for the book
“12 Faces of Time—Horological Virtuosos.” His clients include international magazines, publishers, and companies.
2 Ingo Bulla (55), has been a professional photographer for 32 years.
He learned his trade at a daily newspaper. Today, he lives and works
both in Göttingen, Germany, and Beijing, China. His strengths are portraits and artistically composed features. Photographs by Ingo Bulla
are published in a wide variety of media and magazines. Exhibits, both
domestically and abroad, round out his activities.
3 Nikolaus Fecht (58) is the recipient of numerous public relations
prizes and has made a name for himself with trade articles, satires,
editorials, commentaries and fairy tales on technical topics of all
kinds. The regular clientele for his articles includes renowned German-speaking trade media such as Fluid, technica, Produktion and
VDI-Nachrichten.
4 Alessandra Fraschini (44) has worked as a journalist since 1995
and can draw on experience in the mechanics and refrigeration fields.
Her work includes interviews and articles, which have been published
in key Italian technical journals. After twenty years as an editor and
manager, she now works as a freelance journalist in Milan and Treviso.
5 Georg Frick (26) is an editor at Mensalia Unternehmensberatung in
Vienna. He studied economics and political science in Spain, England
and Vienna and in addition to economic reports, he primarily writes
about technical topics relating to energy and the environment.
6 Gerd Golbach (58) has lived in China for more than 19 years. The
sociologist and sinologist works for various bilateral and international
development aid organizations. As a consultant or project director, he
assumes various managerial tasks and has also organized and
supported a variety of projects by providing documentation and public relations. He has published several articles in specialty books and
publications of development aid organizations.
Published by
Baarerstrasse 18
6304 Zug, Switzerland
Internet: www.hoerbiger.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Executive Board
Dr. Martin Komischke (Chairman)
Charles Friess
Norbert Gauß
Johann Hipfl
Dr. Siegmar Schlagau
Gerhard Wagner
Commercial Register Number
CH-270.3.003.156-2
Commercial register of the Canton of Zug,
Switzerland
Value-added tax number
194 609
Edited by
Corporate Communications
Baarerstrasse 18
6304 Zug, Switzerland
Ludwig Schönefeld (Director)
Phone: + 41 / 41 / 560-75 79
[email protected]
Jens Geisel
Phone: + 41 / 41 / 560-10 19
[email protected]
Daniela Garsch (Editorial Assistance)
Phone: + 49 / 8861 / 25 66-21 88
[email protected]
7 Manfred Klimek (48) has made a name for himself over the years as
a photographer and cameraman. He works for international magazines such as Zeit Magazin and Stern as well as numerous television
stations. His specialty is documentaries. His photographs, generally
taken with an open aperture, provide an additional dimension to the
format of industrial features in HOERBIGER@MOTION: The text does
not have to explain the image. Instead, the text and picture complement each other to give a common impression of the company portrayed.
8 Simon Schmid (28) works in HOERBIGER’s Corporate Communications department. As the Editor Online Communications, he is in
charge of the Group’s electronic media. Simon Schmid started his
professional career as a copywriter and author for the automotive and
automotive supply industries. He holds a degree in social studies and
economics from Tübingen.
9 Ludwig Schönefeld (47) is the Head of HOERBIGER’s Corporate
Communications. Besides strategic tasks, he has retained the latitude to return to his journalistic roots through industry features
for HOERBIGER@MOTION.
10 Martin Spelda (45) has been a photographer for 20 years. He
learned his trade at a private photography school and lives and works
in the Czech Republic. His work encompasses films and theater, as
well as still photography. His portfolio includes pictures of people and
architecture as well as food and technical photography for a number of
companies and agencies.
11 Michaela Stollberg (44) changed careers to work in the creative
field after studying business administration at the University of Cologne
and an internship in TV production. From 1995 to 1998, Michaela
Stollberg was the head of the editorial department and film director at
facts+fiction in Cologne, Germany. She has worked as a freelance and
independent author, editor and film director since 1998.
12 Andreas Zeiff (50) is a graduate chemist. After studying at
Karlsruhe University (today KIT), Andreas Zeiff switched to specialist
journalism. As an employee of the Stutensee editorial agency, he
authors articles for numerous trade magazines in the oil, gas and
process industries.
We would like to thank the following institutions and individuals—to the extent they are
not mentioned as authors or photographers
in connection with the articles—for their
participation:
Officine Mario Dorin S.p.A: Mauro Dallai,
Dr. Giovanni Dorin, Giacomo Pisano.
Shanghai Automotive (Group) Corporation:
Prof. Fang Weirong, Qian Xiangyang. KSB
Group: Christophe Amagat, Christophe
Bouffin, Antoine Casteleyn, Eric Leblais,
Frederique Koch, Michel Oddoux, Christoph
P. Pauly. Brigitte Beyer. Vittorio Lucchetti.
Layout
HOERBIGER Antriebstechnik: Leo Feng,
Michael Haberl, Franz Soffa, Grace Wang.
HOERBIGER Automatisierungstechnik: Katja
Ebenhoch, Marcus Grödl, Remy Hoerdt,
Thomas Ulbrich.
HOERBIGER Kompressortechnik: Kathy
Boutin, Jiri Brabec, Carlos Carratu, Roland
Cesak, Thomas Christl, Terence Chuah, Keith
Farnham, Franz Gruber, Pavel Hafner, Lothar
Kern, Lutz Kranz, Martin Lachmann, Florian
Neumann, Christian Prinz, Leonel Salinas,
Don York, Libor Zeman.
Im intermedia GmbH
44866 Bochum, Germany
Translations
Kerstin Roland
Maintal Translations Inc.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452, USA
Andrea Hartmann
97074 Würzburg, Germany
CP/COMPARTNER
Agentur für Kommunikation GmbH
45127 Essen, Germany
Guido Schweiß-Gerwin, Tim Wohlfarth,
Carsten Cimander
Cover picture: A stock of crankcases awaiting
the next steps at Dorin.
Photo: Ralf Baumgarten
Printed by
Alfred Aumaier GmbH
82008 Unterhaching, Germany
Circulation: 25,000
Distribution: 42 countries worldwide
Languages: German, English
The contents of the articles, in particular
quotes, opinions and estimates on markets
and technologies, do not always reflect
the opinions of the publisher.
Copyright: HOERBIGER Holding AG, 2012
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REFRIGERATION AND AIR-CONDITIONING
TECHNOLOGY SINCE 100 YEARS Page 20
SERVICE EXCELLENCE IN
Page 42
LATIN AMERICA
MND GAS STORAGE:
NO BREAK FOR
COMPRESSORS
Page 52